Alonso

I think quite a few of us could get behind him, he's not the smallest!! I'll get me coat.

Maybe we buy Alves and a striker (Eto'o?) this summer with a few kids brought in and see how we go and then go for that winger/att midfielder the following summer. Rafa wants time and plus it'll be fewer players to integrate into the team.

Five of Liverpool's Youth Cup heroes have been selected for tonight's reserve fixture against Newcastle United. Stephen Darby, Ryan Flynn, Jay Spearing, Robbie Threlfall and Craig Lindfield will start in the Barclays Premiership Reserve League North clash, which kicks-off at 7pm at Newcastle RUFC. Gary Ablett's side will be looking for revenge following a 4-1 defeat in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. The Liverpool team in full is: 1. Daniele Padelli 2. Stephen Darby 3. Emiliano Insua 4. Ronald Huth 5. Gabriel Paletta 6. Jack Hobbs (capt) 7. Paul Anderson 8. Ryan Flynn 9. Craig Lindfield 10. Jay Spearing 11. Robbie Threlfall Substitutes: 12. Michael Burns 13. Martin Hansen 14. Charlie Barnett 15. Ray Putterill 16. Michael Scott

Pennant looked class throughout and showed good vision to pick out Zenden for his neat finish. Fowler's lay off to Lindfield showed great awareness too. Good finish by Lindfield.

Does anyone know how Gonzalez got on as he'd have been up against Alves? Plus what I'd give to hear (or even see!) this for Liverpool next season: Brazil doubled their lead on 31 minutes when Milan ace Kaka converted from Daniel Alves' cross. You Tube

Very impressive Ajax display and a great goal by Sneijder too. It was funny too when that roast of an effort by Davids came off the bar and knocked out Gomes!! LOL!

Like the look of that altho however unrealistic I would love Kaka instead of Ribery!

From the BBC Gossip Column Australian winger Harry Kewell will discover in the summer whether he has got a future at Liverpool after being plagued by injuries. (Various)

Hicks is talking about the stadium being the best sporting facility in the world. I wonder if he's gonna take any ideas from the Dallas Cowboys new stadium project cos it looks pretty spot on, expensive but spot on, especially as HKS are involved with looking at our design and are also working on the Dallas project: Wikipedia Info New Cowboys Stadium Official Site

Bit of both I'd imagine. There's also crosses that reach our players but don't result in goals.

Probably to keep those not on International duty match fit. It'll also give match practice to those first teamers who haven't had that much recently.

Agree with that, spot on. The left midfielder or maybe creative midfielder could always come the follwoing summer or if available in January.

G & H may have a few names up their sleeves tho or maybe an idea of just one company they're interested in. These could be speculated in tomorrow's edition perhaps?

Tomorrow's edition should be interesting "TOMORROW PART TWO: Getting it right on the stadium". I wonder if it will give anymore info on who the sponsor will be?

Not the best source but there's this from Tribal Football Valencia battling to keep Niguez away from Chelsea tribalfooball.com - November 26, 2006 Chelsea are stepping up their interest in Spanish prospect Aaron Niguez. The Valencia forward has received rave reviews from the scout Frank Arnesen, Chelsea's development director, uses in Spain, says the Sunday Mirror. He is rated one of the most outstanding talents to emerge in Spain for many years. But for the moment, Valencia president Juan Soler is adamant that not even Roman Abramovich's wealth will lure Niguez to Stamford Bridge. Soler said: "We are working on building a great Valencia team by developing our best young players. It would be foolish to let Aaron leave - whatever the offer." Last summer Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, a former Valencia coach, sounded out his old club about Niguez's availability. That approach was rebuffed, too. Niguez said: "Chelsea and Liverpool are enormous clubs and it's great that they have an interest in me but I'm young and happy to carry on building my career with Valencia." There's these snippetts on Niguez from a match report between Russia U17s and Spain U17s back in May 2006: Aaron Niguez scored one and set two up as Spain dealt a blow to Russia's chances of qualifying. After Niguez struck a 45 yard pop-shot which cleared the cross-bar by just a few inches, Spain began to take control. However, chances for either side were at a premium and as the frustration began to grow, Niguez was booked for a rash challenge on Amir Kashiev when he made a desperate lunge for the ball in midfield. Niguez almost made up for his indiscipline with a free kick on 28 minutes. Kashiev was judged to handball as he blocked the Valencia striker's original attempt. Niguez struck the curling free-kick from 30 yards but did not get enough bend on the ball as it flew a yard wide of the right-hand upright It was down to super-sub Krkic to again make a second-half impact. He danced through the right of the Russian defence to the byline and cut back to the awaiting Niguez who slotted home from 7 yards. Niguez's goal was well deserved as he his movement had constantly caused problems and created the best of Spanish opportunities. On 65 minutes, the Valencia frontman then switch to the left where he picked up the ball, scampered past two defenders and crossed for Cristian Vergara to volley. His effort looked like it crossed the line but it was desperately cleared, only to fall to Krkic who tapped home from four yards. Niguez continued to be a constant threat and could have doubled his personal tally on 31 minutes only to be thwarted by a good save by Russian keeper Evgeny Pomazan. A set piece straight off the training ground made the game certain for spain. Niguez laid-off for Guillem Savall to strike, Pomazan this time parried and the ball fell kindly to Marcos Gullon who tapped in. Niguez was substituted with just minutes remaining and received a standing ovation from the Spanish fans. His influence was the dividing factor which turned what was before the break such a close match. He has already made his debut for Valencia in their game against Roma in the CL group stages but was subbed off after 27 minutes with a thigh muscle tear.

Has Paletta gone on loan? If not I'm surprised he hasn't gone out on loan too as I'd have thought he might be the closest to the first team more than anyone and need that competitive match practice.

If Kewell doesn't come back too well from his injury or is sold then I'd like to see Gonzalez given a run there next season with Leto as back up as I doubt he'll be a youth player as he's 21 in August. There's also the option of Garcia too and maybe even Hammill if he's doing as well as people suggest.

I don't see us getting anyone else for the left as it's probably one of the areas we're most heavily stocked in Leto, Kewell, Aurelio, Garcia, Gonzalez, Riise. Ok they may not have the quality but most are all players that Rafa has brought in. If we were to buy a Robben type player then we'd have to sell a few players and with Leto coming in too I can't see it.

I'm sure Elisha mentioned last year that we'd be having an all black away kit next season.

Looks like he may well be back for both legs: Fortunately the midfielder's three-game ban will have been served by the time the final comes around. From 'ere

Carragher Agger Mascherano

Agreed and actually said to friends we wouldn't qualify outta this group when it was drawn. I got shot down in flames when I suggested that. What would your 11 be then for the up coming game against Israel? Joe Cole is also out and would suggest he's probably first choice to play down the left.

Not to mention signing Bridge for £10m!!

Sign Barry sell Gerrard!! Sell Reina buy Hahnemann!! Why did we ever let Diouf go as he's far better than any of our midfielders/attackers? Admitedly tho Drogba and Ronaldo have been the best 2 players this season.

Because he has an affinity with the club and when he leaves he doesn't want it to be left in a shambles but with solid foundations for the future?