Liverpool V Sunderland: 6 Key Facts to Know Heading in Reds' EPL Opener

Andy Carroll Leads the Liverpool Attack to Battle Against a Familiar Foe.
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(Bleacher Report)Liverpool's last meeting with Sunderland saw them take a 2-0 victory at the Stadium of Light back to Anfield after suffering a 2-2 Draw at home earlier in the season.

Kenny Dalglish will want his charges to start the season off on the right foot with a key opening day victory in front of the Kop to set the tone for his first full season back in charge.

He will be without Steven Gerrard as the Captain is still recovering from his operation over the Summer. Luis Suarez is also most likely to miss out as he is still returning to full match fitness, but do not be surprised if he comes on at the 60th minute if the Reds were to be in trouble.

It is looking to be a great opening day for the Reds this year in perhaps the most highly anticipated season in years. With that in mind here are sixth facts to keep in mind about this weekends upcoming fixture.

You can also check out the full English Premier League Preview for the opening weekend Here.

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World Football's 15 Most Hostile Stadiums and Venues

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(Bleacher Report)What comes to mind you think of the term home-field advantage? To some clubs it is just a saying and a hopeful truth, while to others it is a true existence as their stadium and their fans have a profound effect on the opposition.

To say that football is a game that brings out the full passion of its fans in an understatement in many different categories. While a stadium can be imposing for the opposition, it is the atmosphere that a clubs fans provide in their cauldron that truly has a means of giving their beloved players a boost like no other.

In the end it comes down to the atmosphere that is invoked when the fans are in full voice and the moment is the most intense. That is when the magic of home-field advantage is truly realized and becomes a reality.

Some venues however take home-field advantage to another level as it can truly be a hostile place for the opposition to enter no matter if it is a rivalry game or not. That level of intimidation for the away team has led us to take a look at the most hostile Stadiums in the World of Football today......Click Here to Start Slideshow.

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Liverpool FC Ratings: Andy Carroll and Dirk Kuyt Boot City Back to Manchester

Carroll and Kuyt, Please Stand Up

by Thomas Atzenhoffer on The Bleacher Report
April 12, 2011

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On a night that held so much remembrance of life and loss for Liverpool it was an inspired performance by the Reds.

A minute of silence before the game remembered the 96 fans that were crushed at Hillsborough 22 years ago this coming Friday. It also held thoughts and prayers for a fallen Merseyside hero, Soldier Lance Sargent Mark Burgan killed recently in Afghanistan, and the tragic loss of Jan Fairclough the wife of former Kop Hero David Fairclough.

Monday night saw Anfield come alive as the Reds thoroughly demolished a Manchester City side that looked like they left their boots at home. In one of their most impressive displays of the season, Liverpool made a statement that despite the constant criticism that they don't have enough quality players, they can still get the job done as a team.

Reading Joe Hart's lips and James Milner's body language was all you had to do to see the frustration mounting for the Blues. The loss of their captain Carlos Tevez in the opening half just after Carroll's long-range belter signified the end for the Manchurians, as they never got off the ground without their engine to drive them forward.

Mario Balotelli replaced the Argentine and continued to show no signs of being a success in England and was truly shown the door as he was subbed off at the 83rd minute for midfielder Nigel De Jong.

Though it was thought that the Blues fielded a weaker side than faced Sunderland, I don't believe that was the case. David Silva, De Jong and Balotelli were not involved, but in their place were Eden Dzeko, James Milner and Gareth Barry. If that is a weakened side, trade them and give me City's millions.

With both teams' European desires tossing about in the balance, it showed that Liverpool still is fighting for Europe and respect, while Manchester City's 5-0 victory at Sunderland might not be all it was cracked up to be.

All of that in mind, let's give some credit where it is due to a Liverpool side that put in a great team effort and earned a deserved 3-0 victory in front of the Kop.............CLICK HERE TO START THE SLIDESHOW AND READ MORE

Liverpool: 5 Things the Club Must Do for a Prayer at European Nights

Liverpool have all to gain and nothing to Loose by playing balls to the wall for the rest of the Season

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
March 18, 2011

Michael Regan/Getty Images

Liverpool were dumped out of the Europa League in an outright pathetic display last night at Anfield. The Merseyside club never impressed but for a few fleeting moments in the first 10 minutes and had several chances in the last 10 minutes. Other than that were flat and dull.

This morning, third-in-line captain Pepe Reina released a cry for fifth as he still feels that his club can achieve European football again next season despite being a game plus six points back from Tottenham Hotspur...READ MORE AND START SLIDESHOW

Jay Spearing Sees the Reds Going Through

Spearing Confident of Europa Progression

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
March 17, 2011

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Liverpool youngster and rising first team midfielder Jay Spearing joined Manager Kenny Dalglish in the club's pre-match press conference before their second leg rematch against Portugal's Sporting Club Braga.

The Reds crashed to a 1-0 away loss thanks to a penalty taken by Alan, and received their first loss to a side from....READ MORE

European Nights: Can Anfield Lift Dalglish and Liverpool over Braga?

Will the Fabled Ground at Anfield be enough to Lift the Reds to Further their European Dreams?

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
March 15, 2011

The Reds head into Thursday's second leg contest against Braga at Anfield already trailing 0-1 on aggregate. Liverpool made a mess of their chance to take an away goals lead in Portugal last week as a penalty given away by Greek Defender Sotirios Krygiakos' mis-timed tackle was the difference in poor display....READ MORE HERE

Lucas Please Dont Leiva

Article first published as Lucas Please Dont Leiva on Technorati.
Despite having put up with more criticism than David Beckham's MLS career Liverpool's Brazilian Midfielder has i merged as a key influence in the side.

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
March 9, 2011

Lucas Coming of Age

Since his arrival on Merseyside young Lucas Leiva has been anything but loved by most if not all Liverpool fans. Rafael Benitez however, never faltered in his belief in the young Brazilian and Leiva has never bowed out to the criticism of the fans. Always wanting to win them over, he has crept his way in to many fans hearts this season as he continues to show his obvious talent.

Many forget that in his debut season for the Reds he was the first Brazilian to ever score for the club. Not to bad for someone that at the time was only 20 and had the weight of the world of expectations on his shoulders. For years he has been loathed by fans, but he never lost his faith, and never lost his drive to win over the Anfield faithful.

Rise to Fan Favorite

However, this season truly has many fans on the verge of conversion as his displays in midfield throughout the campaign have been steeped with promise. He was originally signed from Gremio for a fee of 5 Million Pounds and was generally used as an attacking midfielder. During most of his time at Liverpool since his arrival he has been used more as a holding midfielder.

The departure of Xabi Alonso last season left Lucas perhaps the biggest set of boots to fill aside from Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres at the time, and Lucas stepped up having arguably his best season as a Red as he was voted Young Player of the Season by his club and fans after making 39 total appearances.

Always A Fighter Despite Criticism

This season has shown his growth in both composure and understanding of the English game as he has been the heartbeat of the Liverpool Midfield all season despite the departure of Javier Mascherano and the constant reshuffling of the Reds central area around Steven Gerrard's nagging injuries. Lucas has 24 League Appearances this campaign only behind Reina, Skrtel, and Meireles for most games started in the league. He also has picked up the only Red Card of the season as proof of having to but in some of the grunt work that Mascherano left on the table in his departure for Barcelona.

Many arguments have been made in recent weeks as well, including interviews and opinions on, "Kop Talkin'"one of Liverpool FC TV's public opinion shows, that Lucas is not class enough, and that he would not make it on teams like Manchester United, or Chelsea. If this is so how does he continue to have one of the highest form ratings of any midfielder in the premiership.

Lucas has shown nothing but improvement year after year. He is only 24 and already has over 150 appearances for the club and has been a constant stalwart for the team as his toughness and ability to handle the rigors of the English league show through his ability to constantly avoid injury and stay fit.

One of the Longest Standing Squad Members at 24
PA Images

With all that said, as Liverpool looks to the future and for years of success it is only ideal that Lucas remain and be offered a new contract. With the system of investing in youth for the long haul as done with Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll, just as Liverpool's owners did with the Red Sox in their return to prominence, signing Lucas to a second major contract with the club is a no brainer as his prime years between 24 and 29 remain to be played.

He is already a proven young talent in the League and one of the longest standing players on the team only being out tenured by Jaime Carragher, Steven Gerrard, Pepe Reina, Dirk Kuyt, and Daniel Agger on the first team. Lucas has the ability to be vital to the return of Liverpool to former glories, and his dedication and hard work has been nothing but an example of professionalism. Lucas should stay on Merseyside and be a face of the future as he has the ability and the opportunity to become an Anfield legend.

Uruguayan Style

Article first published as Uruguayan Style on Technorati.
Luis Suarez Played out of his Boots as the Uruguayan Produced a Masterclass Performance in Red.

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
March 7, 2011

Suarez Geared up for Success

The Reds truly have found a new front man with creativity in their young South American starlet Luis Suarez. Many doubted that he would be able to stand up to the rigors of the English Premiership after his pure domination of the Dutch League, but he has already made his stamp on the Liverpool campaign this season.

His first appearance as a substitute against Stoke City in early February was marked with his first goal for the club in front of the Kop as, "El Pistolero," made his first creative mark in Red.

He continued to progress and work his way into the squad. He was not handed a spot in the side that defeated Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but that decision was highly believed as a way to protect him during his training time as he learned his new teammates, his manager, and the teams philosophy.

Debut Delight against Stoke City

That decision to allow him to learn and grow into the squad his first weeks with the team has truly showed Kenny Dalglish's ability to nurture a young player. Suarez has proven to be nothing but an excellent creative spark for his new side. His first games in the starting eleven were frustrating but he has found his form.

His time taken to adjust can also be due to the fact that he hadn't been in a competitive match for nearly a month before moving to Merseyside. However, that all appears to be past memory now as he is swashbuckling his way in and out of defenses.

His daft ability to wriggle out of the tightest of spots has already showed its worth as a brilliant turn at West Ham last weekend allowed Glen Johnson to slot home the only Liverpool goal of the match.

Again this weekend against Manchester United his twisting and turning ability with the ball earned what looked like should have gone in for his second team goal when he got through three defenders and Edwin Van Der Sar in less than a quarter of the space in the 18-yard box. The goal however was powered in by Kuyt just to be safe, and even Kuyt wanted to let it go to Suarez but was afraid it would go wide.

Suarez Ran Riot on United

Again Suarez continued to have his stamp em-brazened on the game when Kuyt was allowed the third goal of his hat-trick thanks to the rebound off of what would surely have been a free-kick goal for Suarez against a lessor keeper than the aging Dutch legend of United.

The young South American continued to trouble United's defense until his substitution to a roaring crowd at the 89th minute. Liverpool have truly gotten themselves another hard working attacker that will put everything into his performance for the club, and the next years with him in attack will be exciting to watch.

Luis Suarez Secured, but Torres On the Move?

Article first published as Luis Suarez Secured, but Torres On the Move? on Technorati.

The Reds Finally Get Their Man as Ajax agree £23 Million Move, but Goal.com breaks the news that Fernando Torres could leave the Club by Monday or in the Summer.

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
January 28, 2011

Kenny Dalglish Finally has a new attacking option to line-up alongside Fernando Torres. Hotly pursued Ajax Amsterdam striker Luis Suarez will be making his move across the Chanel to Merseyside as the Reds first transfer capture of the January window. After more than two weeks of back and forth between the two clubs, the young Uraguyan world cup star will be lining up in the English Premiership in his next match.

Reds Get Their Man

Suarez brings a proven goal threat to the front line to allow Fernando Torres so lessening of his burden as the lone striker up front. However, the arrival of Suarez has cast a dark shadow over the Anfield faithful, as the arrival of a new star seems to be overshadowed by the unsettling announcement that Chelsea may be stealing Fernando Torres.

The Spaniard has a £50 Million buy out clause, and though he has repeatedly claimed to be a Scouser at heart, the possible offer of a £160,000 per week wage just might be enough to lure him away as the Blues seek a permanent replacement for the aging Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka. The Reds reported this morning that a £35 Million pound offer was refused and that the player was not for sale. However, with the buyout clause in place, Torres has asked to speak with Chelsea if an offer is agreed upon.

Torres to Follow Benayoun to Chelsea?

The loss of Torres could prove unsettling for the fans whom have grown to love him for his pronounced love of Liverpool. One can only hope that this truly is more rumor than truth, but the facts seem to be pointing towards the exit door for Liverpool's El Nino. The second coming of a Liverpool No.9 to reach legendary status aside Robbie Fowler may be derailed if Torres does indeed leave the club either now or in the summer.

Own Goal Saves the Day, But Should have been Worse

Article first published as Own Goal Saves the Day, But Should have been Worse on Technorati.

A Hard Fought Battle Earns Liverpool 3 Points through Pantsil Own Goal

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
January 27, 2011

Liverpool celebrate back to back victories for the first time under Kenny Dalglish. The fact that last nights victory came in a much harder fought contest than Wolves proves that there is indeed a turn around going on at Anfield under the King. Torres had what would have been the opening goal on the 4th minutes disallowed for being offside, which upon further review was correct.

Raul Meireles continued his fine form as he pushed Liverpool forward. Stephen Gerrard made his return for the Reds and voiced his team to push forward on multiple occasions showing a renewed vigor as the on field leader as he barked orders to his men all night long. Gerrard took the place of Lucas Leiva whom was out with a knock suffered in training. Chritian Poulsen put in another decent performance as he continues to renew his belief in himself, and hopefully in the face of the fans.

The pace of Lucas was missed in the midfield however. The Brazillian usually combines with Dirk Kuyt as the none stop energy to drive the central Liverpool machine, but his injury, and an obviously worn out Kuyt were missing. Kuyt was replaced with youngster Jonjo Shelvey whom has featured in every game under Dalglish.

It should have been 2-0 to Liverpool by Halftime as they had fired multiple shots on goal that would have been into the back of the net against any keeper whom wasn't in as fine of form as Fulham's David Stockdale. Asian Cup duties kept first choice Mark Schwarzer busy in Qatar, but his backup is making a serious push for a permanent place in the staring eleven with displays such as his last night.

The second half saw a continued hard fight as Fulham was lifted by former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy whom rolled back the years to put in a Man of the Match performance. American Clint Dempsey fired several blistering top class shots a Pepe Reina the Spanish keeper was a stalwart for the Reds when they needed him the most.

Attack after attack from Liverpool eventually led to an own goal from Fulham right back John Pantsil. Had he not scored it, Meireles certainly would have finished it off as he was on top of the keeper ready to pounce for what could have been his third goal in as many games. Following his debacle in the back Pantsil let out his frustration in attempts to start altercations with Liverpool Captain Gerrard and earned himself a yellow card in due time.

Maxi Rodriguez also was lively for the match as he continues to become more attuned to the English game and has been playing out wider under Dalglish instead of making so many runs into the middle. This has been helping to create more space for Torres whom is flourishing under the pass and move style of the Liverpool teams of old.

With the team now up to seventh in the table and away from the drop zone, for the moment, the fans can breath a huge sigh of relief as the second coming of King Kenny is inspiring a rebirth and rejuvenation of the Reds. With 14 games to go just how high can the Reds find themselves before the end of the campaign?