Liverpool vs Everton preview - Dalglish ready for Kop return
Posted Sunday, January 16, 2011 by PA
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has virtually a full squad to choose from for his first return to the Anfield dugout in nearly 20 years against Everton on Sunday.
However, the 59-year-old, who only flew in from holiday in the Persian Gulf last Saturday to take over from Roy Hodgson, will be without Scousers Steven Gerrard (suspended) and Jamie Carragher (injured) for the 215th Merseyside derby.
Midfielder Joe Cole has recovered from an ankle problem to rejoin the squad while Fabio Aurelio is likely to start at left-back after sitting out the midweek defeat at Blackpool.
Dalglish's biggest decision revolves around young right-back Martin Kelly, who has shown good form in the last two games, but could come under pressure from Glen Johnson, who filled in on the left against the Seasiders.
Dalglish hopes his players will display the intelligence required after errors cost the side defeat in his first two matches in charge.
Daniel Agger's misjudged first-minute challenge on Manchester United's Dimitar Berbatov and Steven Gerrard's lunge at Michael Carrick ensured the Scot's first game in charge ended with an FA Cup exit at Old Trafford last weekend.
And more defensive slip-ups contributed to a 2-1 defeat at Blackpool in midweek.
Dalglish is desperately in need of a win but will send out his team at Anfield telling them to play the game and not the occasion.
There have been 19 red cards in this fixture in the last 14 years and Dalglish is keen not to add to that tally.
"The players here know the importance of the derby and sometimes the local lads get carried away and are too motivated and get a bit heated," said the Reds boss.
"Nowadays if you say 'Good morning' to someone you've got a chance of getting a red card.
"But you can't blame players for being passionate and committed - they've been highly criticised for not being passionate and committed.
"If there is a bit of understanding from the officials I'm sure it would ease things along a bit.
"You have to be intelligent - the fact it is a derby doesn't change the rules of the game, they are exactly the same.
"But you have to go and compete, just as you have in every other game.
"We want to see the players competing but within the rules of the game and if I have 11 players on the pitch we have a chance of winning.'
Everton are again likely to be without defender Phil Jagielka.
The England international has missed three of the last four games with a thigh strain and is still short of fitness.
Manager David Moyes otherwise has no injury concerns, although top goalscorer Tim Cahill is on international duty with Australia at the Asian Cup.
Moyes expects Steven Pienaar to be available despite giving him permission to speak to another club while striker Ayegbeni Yakubu has joined Leicester on loan.
Moyes is relieved Gerrard will not be lining up against his Everton side - but expects Liverpool to feel the same about Cahill.
Moyes is well aware of Gerrard's importance to Liverpool but is again without his own talisman in Cahill.
Moyes said: "Of course I am pleased Gerrard isn't playing. Who wouldn't be? He is an outstanding player.
"I have always said if I could have got Steven Gerrard in the team, he would probably have been one of my first picks.
"I am delighted - but we'll also miss Tim Cahill.
"Tim's nine goals - it's hard not to have someone like that in the Premier League."
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