Football Fans - 3 ways to say "No" to high ticket prices

As football fans, the sharp increase in ticket prices for Premier League matches has put a large dent in our pockets. When ticket prices for top flight football are rising more than three times the rate of inflation, the support for non league football is growing. As a researcher into football and fan relationships for the past three years, I've identified the following articles to show how fans can fall back in love with the game while supporting their local teams.

In this first article by Michael McCann at The Telegraph, we are given reasons why supporting your local team on Non-League Day (during international break weekends) is so important. One of these reasons McCann brings up is ticket prices, as attending a non league match is a "welcomed change" from the astronomical prices being charged at Premier League grounds. At tickets usually round £5, it is easy to bring the whole family along. Often non league clubs offer discounts, or even free entry, to season ticket holders of top flight football clubs to encourage attendance.

Fans of Arsenal and Liverpool come together to boycott ticket prices. Source: @LFCPhoto)

The second article, by Ian Burrell at The Independent delves further into the problems fans are having with Premier League prices and how they are switching to non league clubs for their football fix instead. Burrell brings up the point of being able to feel a part of the game rather than just another paying customer. There is also talk of the affordability of attending matches and how families can go together and experience football in a family-friendly setting.

Here are three actions I recommend for football fans who are wanting to fall back in love with the game:

• Support - Find your local non league team and support them by attending their next home match!

• Get Involved - Many non league clubs depend on volunteers in the local community. You can help support your team by also volunteering and becoming part of it.

• Enjoy - Non League clubs often offer a very relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere that is family-friendly and affordable, without the stress of fighting crowds.

Overall, supporting your local non league tea is a rewarding experience for you, the club and the community!


My name is Brianna Harvey, and I recently completed an M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) in Football, Media, and Fan Relationships at Liverpool Hope University, and now pursuing a specialization in Social Media Marketing through Northwestern University via Coursera. I have a passion for fan engagement and interested in how clubs are connecting with fans through social media. Feel free to connect with me on Twitter @BriKH.

Check back for future posts about:
Financial Fair Play - Answering questions on: what is it, what does it mean to the modern game, and what affect will it have on fans?

Grassroots Success Stories - Leicester City's Jamie Vardy recently broke an amazing record after coming up through the ranks of grassroots football. Here I will highlight many of the other successes that have come from grassroots football.

Non League Fans - A focus on the regulars of non league football and their own insights as to why they choose to attend community football.

Twenty is Plenty - An update on the Twenty is Plenty campaign against away ticket prices, what it is and how you can lend your support.

New Year Prediction - A look into the second half of the football season, the January transfer window and predictions into where football will end up at the end of the 2015/26 season.

Liverpool v WBA Match Report

Roy Hodgson’s return to Liverpool proved to be positive for him as his team West Brom Albion won over Liverpool at Anfield one-nil.

The first half of the game was painful for both sides as no goals were scored, but Liverpool continued their run of bad luck at home with many chances but having none converted to goals.

Enrique tried early on but the defender kicked it well over the bar. Another chance came from a corner kick, but Daniel Agger was also not able to grasp the chance well enough. Andy Carroll’s header was also over the bar.

The chances did not just come for Liverpool. West Brom also tried to open the scoring and kept returned keeper Pepe Reina plenty busy. Liam Ridgewell had a ball bounce off him towards the direction of the Spaniard but Reina quickly stopped it. And Peter Odemwingie tried a long ball effort that went wide of the goal.

The second half did not get any better. The Reds hit the woodwork twice. First, Jordan Henderson had his shot bounce back, and Dirk Kuyt’s ball also hit the post low and narrowly missed out.

In the 66th minute, chaos ensued when a throw in started the sequence of three clearances in succession at the West Brom goal.

Odemwingie finally put the Baggies one up ten minutes later. He sent Reina the wrong way after picking up a ball from a poor clearance by Glen Johnson.

Though the team did push on the defense for awhile, the Reds seemed to have fizzled out hope in the final minutes, letting Hodgson and the Baggies head back home with all three points.

Liverpool v Aston Villa Match Report

Unlucky Liverpool managed just a point at Anfield against Aston Villa with a 1-1 draw.

Striker Dirk Kuyt was all over Villa from the beginning, giving keeper Shay Given a startle early on but he grasped onto it, denying the Dutch international.

But Villa found the back of their goal first. Barry Bannan passed the ball to James Herd, who then put it past stand-in Red keeper Doni.

Before the halftime whistle was blown, Liverpool called for two penalties but both were denied by the referee including a potential handball and Luis Suarez being fouled inside the box. Instead the referee saw the foul as a dive and the Uruguayan saw a yellow card.

The biggest blow of the evening was when captain Steven Gerrard crossed the ball into the box, but Kuyt missed his chance at point blank range and somehow the ball went over the net instead of in it.

Given definitely saw more threat from Liverpool in the second half. First he had to stop a header from Suarez, and then he came under pressure from substitutes Craig Bellamy and Daniel Agger.

With only eight minutes to spare, Liverpool levelled the score. Agger attempted to head the ball into the net from a corner, but it was salvaged by Suarez from two yards out and put past the Villa keeper.

Liverpool’s spirits were obviously lifted after that, and they spent the last few moments putting pressure on, including a last minute effort by Gerrard. Villa were able to hold on though, and both teams walked away with a point each.

Liverpool v Wigan Match Report

Fans were left disappointed at Anfield when Liverpool lost 2-1 against Wigan Athletic.

It was an even further blow for the Reds as it was Wigan’s second league win in 14 games and first ever at Anfield.

The Lactics seemed a bit wary at first, but Victor Moses broke through to try his luck, but defender Martin Skrtel was able to block the early shot.

Unfortunately for Moses, he would see Skrtel’s boot when the Slovakian gave a high kick to the face in an effort to block him again. Moses had to leave the field after some treatment, but it earned Wigan a penalty at the half hour mark, which Shaun Maloney took and put past Pepe Reina for his first goal in a Wigan shirt.

Lactic keeper Ali Al Habsi became busy after that. Liverpool responded passionately but the keeper kept denying them a goal, including a curl by Luis Suarez and a shot by Steven Gerrard.

Manager Kenny Dalglish made an early change at halftime, replacing Jordan Henderson with striker Andy Carroll.

Two minutes into the second half, the Reds levelled up when Gerrard neatly passed the ball to Suarez to put it past Al Habsi.

The Uruguayan seemingly scored another goal only a few moments later. Skrtel’s header stumbled near the goal, and Suarez fumbled it into the net, but the goal was disallowed when the referee ruled it bounced off his arm.

Wigan responded with another goal to put them in the lead. James McCarthy’s shot was blocked by Jamie Carragher, but the ball was picked up by Gary Caldwell, and he then put it past a shocked Reina.

Liverpool fought back but in the end were defeated, the fifth time in six league games, and it sees the Reds still in seventh on the Barclay’s Premier League table.

Liverpool v Arsenal Match Report

Liverpool saw their unbeaten at home run ended with a defeat to Arsenal.

The Reds nearly took the lead after 19 minutes when a penalty was given to the home side after a challenge from Arsenal’s keeper Wojciech Szczesny on Dirk Kuyt.

The Dutchman, coming off from a high for his part in last week’s Carling Cup final, failed to get past Szczensy when he took the penalty.

But soon after, Liverpool would get on the scoresheet with the help of Arsenal. Jordan Henderson took a corner, but the Gunners’ Laurent Koscielny in an attempt to head the ball away ended up heading it into his own net, past a stunned Szczcesny.

Arsenal soon made up for the folly of an own goal with a goal by Robin Van Persie. A cross from Barcary Sagna saw the star Dutchman beat the defenders in red to put the ball past Pepe Reina and level the scoring.

The second half had a slow start since Mikel Arteta collided with Henderson. Arteta suffered a concussion and jaw injury from it.

Kuyt created a cross that looked for sure to become a goal by Martin Kelly but the defender wasted the shot by seemingly misjudging the timing of the cross.

In the eight minutes of stoppage time, Van Persie scored his 30th goal of the season and the game winner. Alex Song’s ball to Van Persie was perfect to see the Gunners walk away from Anfield victorious.

Although Liverpool were arguably the better side in the afternoon, they could not convert any of the chances to goals, giving Arsenal all three points and leaving the Reds even farther from the desired top four position.

Manchester United v Liverpool Match Report

Old Trafford hosted what is arguably the most heated game of the season when Liverpool visited this afternoon, but the Reds would walk away empty handed after Manchester United won 2-1.


The drama started before the whistle even blew. The eyes were more on Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra during the players’ handshakes. While it was expected for the two to shake hands and move on, it was Suarez who refused to shake Evra’s hand, leaving the Red Devils’ captain clearly angry.

Suarez soon seemed to be the distraction between Evra and Rio Ferdinand when the two defenders clashed, seeing Ferdinand land on his neck. A couple of minutes later the veteran would be up again.

Liverpool wasted no time putting the pressure on. Glen Johnson tested keeper David De Gea early on with a low shot but De Gea was able to get it away.

Formally retured Paul Scholes nearly put the Red Devils ahead with a close header but it went straight to Reds’ keeper Pepe Reina.

Danny Welbeck tried again but it was cleared by Daniel Agger when Welbeck made an attempt to find Wayne Rooney in the box.

Just before halftime, Liverpool were granted a corner kick. It was taken by Stewart Downing, and the ball went to Martin Skrtel who blasted it over the bar.

Suarez was left furious a couple minutes later when Ferdinand tackled him. The Uruguayan expected a free kick and was not given it. With his anger escalating, manager Kenny Dalglish kept motioning him to calm down.

More drama at halftime when there was pushing and shoving in the tunnel, with the police having to get involved. It took the players about five minutes to get to their dressing room.

Wayne Rooney scored the first goal of the game from a corner kick in the opening minutes of the second half.

Only a few minutes later, Rooney would double that lead. A pass from Valencia allowed Rooney to easily make it 2-0. It was poor defending from Liverpool.

He tried to make it a hat trick but finally the defense pulled through and the ball was cleared away.

Dalglish made some essential changed in the 61st minute with strikers Andy Carroll and Craig Bellamy replacing midfielders Stewart Downing and Jay Spearing. His final change would be Charlie Adam for Drik Kuyt with 15 minutes left to play.

With only ten minutes left, of all players it was Suarez who got the ball past De Gea to get Liverpool on the scoreboard.

Johnson’s powerful kick nearly leveled it up for the Reds but De Gea sprung it away over the bar. Nothing would come from the corner given.

Of course the scuffle could not be laid to rest. After the final whistle, celebrations from Manchester United players brought in front of Suarez caused more pushing and shoving from the two teams.

Liverpool v Spurs Match Report

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur's meeting at Anfield ended in a stalemate in what was an important game for both teams.

While Liverpool were without defender Jose Enrique for the first time, Spurs were without their manager Harry Redknapp, who could not get to the game due to a glitch in transportation. The Reds also were able to include Luis Suarez back on the roster after the Uruguayan served his eight match ban (nin in total) imposed by the FA.

There was some excitement in the beginning however, when a cat occupied the pitch in the first ten minutes. It took a couple of minutes, but a steward managed to remove the feline from Tottenham’s penalty area.

Finally some real excitement started on the pitch about 20 minutes later. Charlie Adam curled a ball Dirk Kuyt’s way but the Dutch International was offside. A couple minutes later, young Jay Spearing took a shot from outside the box, just nicking the post.

Defender Glen Johnson tried his luck in opening the scoring five minutes before halftime but Spurs’ keeper Brad Friedel stopped it.

Gareth Bale responded for Tottenham but had no power behind his back-kick and Reina caught it.

The second half saw Liverpool even more alive against the Spurs. Even defender Martin Kelly got in on the chances by firing from 25 yards out, but again Friedel saved the effort.

Finally the most talked about man of the last few months was welcomed back onto the pitch. Suarez substituted Kuyt in the 65th minute. He immediately made his presence known by nearly opening the scoring himself but Spurs’ Scott Parker cleared the ball away.

Only a couple minutes later, Parker would find himself on the ground, responding to an accidental kick by Suarez. The Urguayan is booked for it.

Carroll had a brilliant opportunity to finally do it for Liverpool but the ball, which bounced back from the post after Daniel Agger’s attempted header, went clear over the net when the striker was less than ten yards out.

The Reds saw yellow again thanks to Martin Skrtel’s high-flying tackle into Bale.

Poor Carroll could not get that ball to go where it needed to. Glen Johnson’s cross found his head but Carroll headed it too wide.

Despite all the great chances for Liverpool left and right, it was Tottenham with the best chance. Bale had nothing but the ball and a lot of space, until Reina came out. Although a bit messy, the ball was cleared away.

The game ended with both teams taking away a mere point.

Wolves v Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool left Molineaux Stadium with three more points tonight in the Premier League after triumphing over Wolves 3-0.

Manager Kenny Dalglish omitted skipper Steven Gerrard from the night, rumoured to be out with a slight injury but Jay Spearing started after spending some time on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

After 30 minutes, Dirk Kuyt attempted a repeat of his winning goal only a few days earlier that knocked Manchester United out of the FA Cup, but it was too high above the bar to make any threat.

But Wolves produced the best chance in the first half. Michael Kightly had a one on one with keeper Pepe Reina while just on the edge of the box but the ball just went wide right.

Charlie Adam for Liverpool created a great chance for Andy Carroll but it was blocked by Stephen Ward. Jordan Henderson tried his luck too but his shot was saved by Wolves keeper Wayne Hennessey. It was not a convincing first half for either side as the halftime whistle blew at 0-0.

After halftime, Adam tried again with a fantastic cross right to Carroll who slotted the ball into the left hand corner of the net and finally opening the scoring in the 52nd minute.

Less than ten minutes Craig Bellamy battled it out between three Wolves defenders, taking a shot that Hennessey struggled to stop. It brushed his gloves into the net then doubling Liverpool’s lead.

It was Kuyt who finished it again with the third and final goal. Assisted yet again by Adam, Kuyt put another ball past Hennessey in the right corner of the net.

Although Carroll was obviously hungry for his second goal of the night and had a couple close calls towards the final minutes, the game ended at 3-0 with Liverpool claiming victory.

Bolton v Liverpool Match Report

The Reds’ suffered a devastating blow last night when they were defeated by Bolton at the Reebok Stadium 3-1.

Liverpool were woeful nearly from the start, when in the third minute Bolton’s Mark Davies, assisted by former Liverpool striker David Ngog, had no problems getting past Red defenders and keeper Pepe Reina to put the ball into the lower right corner.

Bolton doubled their lead in the 30th minute when again, the Liverpool defense seemed absent while Nigel Reo-Coker completes a near repeat of Davies goal earlier with a neat pass from Chris Eagles.

Seven minutes later, Craig Bellamy gave some hope of somewhat of a comeback for Liverpool. The goal itself is sloppy but Bellamy takes a pass from Andy Carroll, skips the ball over the keeper and it slowly made its way into the net with Bolton’s Zat Knight chasing after it with no hope of stopping the goal.

Bolton’s third and final goal came in the second half from a corner kick. Steinsson’s powerful shot into the lower left corner left Liverpool with little to no hope of making a comeback.

Manager Kenny Dalglish said after the match: “There's nobody been at this football club that's not had respect for other people. If that is what the problem was then, that they thought this game wasn't as important a game as the next one, then fine but they'll not be here.”

Liverpool v Newcastle Match Report

Liverpool ended 2011 on a high as they bagged three points at Anfield against Newcastle in a 3-1 win.

The Reds suffered an early blow, when a ball from Toon Yohan Cabaye was deflected off Liverpool defender Daniel Agger's shoulder and past goalkeeper Pepe Reina into the net.

However only a few minutes later, Craig Bellamy leveled up the scoreboard when a dverted ball ended up at his feet before shooting it past the sea of blackand white shirts into the net. The Reds nearly went ahead in the first half but Martin Skrtel was unable to take full advantage of Bellamy's corner kick.

The second half saw a change of spirit when eventually manager Kenny Dalglish replaced Charlie Adam with captain Steven Gerrard, who has been on the bench for the last two games due to a long term injury.

His presence had an impact as the team pushed on for more goals. In the 67th minute, Bellamy scored his second goal of the evening from a free kick. Later he would have to leave the pitch for an injury suffered after an elbow to the head.

Newcastle came dangerously close to leveling up when a shot from striker Demba Ba went over Reina, but Skrtel bolted into the goal to make a significant clearance.

With 12 minutes left on the clock, Gerrard sealed the deal and three points with a third goal for Liverpool.

Although there were high hopes for former Newcastle player Andy Carroll to score, he was unable to capitalise on any chances, including hitting the crossbar once, but the chances were more easily created for him with Gerrard there.

Luis Suarez missed the game due to an imposed suspension by The FA after an obscene gesture made earlier in the month at Fulham.
Liverpool move into fifth place tonight, tied for points with Arsenal in fourth.

Aston Villa v Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool grasped their fifth away win of the season and three points at Villa Park this afternoon.

The Reds took on Aston Villa and won 0-2 thanks to stunnings goals from Craig Bellamy and Martin Skrtle in the first half.

Liverpool were all over Aston Villa from the start. It wa sonly ten minutes in when Stewart Downing, flooded with boos from his former fans, took a corner which Jonjo Shelvey then created the chance for Bellamy to strike the ball into the net at close range.

It was only five minutes later when another corner turned into the second goal. Bellamy's corner kick was perfect for defender Martin Skrtel to score a header.

The home side were obviously suffering without Gabriel Agbonlahor (suspended) and Darren Bent (injured). Aston Villa struggled to create any chance, but Charlse N'Zogbia got the closest with a shot in the first half that went over the bar.

Liverpool had the chance to create a bigger gap in the scoring, but striker Luis Suarez had hit just the underside of the crossbar and the ball bounced outside the net. Suarez was given a standing ovation nonetheless when he was substituted by Andy Carroll in the 74th minute by Liverpool fans showing their support in light of his ongoing trial with The FA.

The Reds now see themselves in sixth place on the Barclay's Premier League Table, just behind Arsenal who have the same amount of points but remain ahead on goal difference. Aston Villa are in tenth place.

Liverpool v Swansea Match Report

Liverpool walked away with an unhappy point as they drew 0-0 against Swansea yesterday at Anfield.


Although the Reds had several chances, particularly from Luis Suarez, they were unable to get on the scoresheet.

Liverpool were on the attack from the start, with striker Andy Carroll given prime opportunity to score in the first seven minutes. However, the ball hit the woodwork and it set the scene for the rest of the match.

Swansea’ keeper Michel Vorm was tested several times but was quick to deny the effort of Suarez, Carroll, midfielder Stewart Downing and defender Glen Johnson. He was the Swans’ hero of the afternoon.

Pepe Reina was not left without any work either. The keeper and standing captain had a few close calls himself, leaving fans holding their breaths especially when Swansea’s Wayne Routledge passed two defenders, but his cross was not met by Danny Graham as hoped, and the Swans remained goalless.

In the last minutes, Dirk Kuyt managed to get one past Vorm but the celebrations quickly faded when he was ruled as offside, disallowing the only goal made.

The final seconds saw penalty calls from both sides but they were denied.

Liverpool were still without captain Steven Gerrard, who is recovering from an ankle infection, and Jamie Carragher, still out with a calf strain.

Manager Kenny Dalglish expressed his disappointment to reporters, saying Liverpool did not play as expected.

"I think the performance was disappointing,” he said. “Swansea played the way we would have expected they would play but we didn't play the way we expected to play.

"Anything that we were good at we certainly didn't do too much of today.”

Liverpool are currently in sixth place on the Premier League table.

WBA v Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool showed ex-manager Roy Hodgson and West Brom Albion that they are back on their way back up where they belong.


The Reds’ dominated 2-0 last night at The Hawthorns with a penalty taken by Charlie Adam and late first half goal from Andy Carroll.

Adam was chosen in place of the injured Steven Gerrard to take the early penalty after striker Luis Suarez was tipped inside the box, giving the Reds an early lead.

West Brom’s best chance of the first half came 40 minutes in from a cross from Somen Tchoyi, but winger Peter Odemwingie failed to reach it and that set the tone for the Baggies for the rest of the match.

Soon after Suarez created the chance for Carroll, who put the ball past keeper Ben Foster for Liverpool’s second goal.

The Baggies started the second half rejuvenated but it was not enough. A shot by Tchoyi came too wide, giving keeper Pepe Reina some of the most action he has seen all evening.

The same could not be said for Foster, who blocked more attempts from both Jose Enrique and Carroll. Defender Jonas Olsson also denied Suarez from adding his name to the score sheet, and a last minute shot from Stewart Downing hit the post.

The Reds were still able to leave The Hawthorns with three more points, despite not having their captain Gerrard out with an ankle infection or vice-captain Jamie Carragher suffering with a calf strain.

Liverpool Manager Kenny Dalglish spoke after the match, praising the clean sheet.

"We've not lost a goal and scored two at the other end.” He told reporters. “We played some great football and could have had a lot more goals, but we are happy with the three points.

"A clean sheet is very pleasing, it helps you to get something from a game, but goals win you games, so I think from Pepe through to everyone we played really well."

MPs: The FA needs to make changes

MPs have approached the FA with a report stressing the importance of changes to the way the sport is run.

With club debt levels on the rise causing an uncertainty in their futures, it is urged that changes come sooner rather than later to promote sustainability.

Recent examples of the financial situation getting out of control would include Portsmouth going into administration in 2010 and Liverpool’s own near-demise earlier this year.

John Whittington MP, who also chairs The Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee, insist the FA can handle the issues as long as they sort themselves out first.

He told BBC Sport: “The FA is the organisation for the job, but it has some way to go getting its own house in order before it can tackle the problems in the English game and address the future.

"We need a reformed FA to oversee and underpin a rigorous and consistent club licensing system and robust rules on club ownership, which should be transparent to supporters."

The 114-page report released today (which Rick Parry even contributed to) states the findings of the system of how it is run now, why there is a need for change and recommendations given forward to the FA to implement the proposed changes.

The Committee has done a great extent of research into models of other countries’ football governance, including Germany to which the committee expressed in their report was one England can learn from.

A change in English football governance could also see equality brought back to the game, where all clubs have a chance for a title and not just the ‘rich’ ones.

Journalist Patrick Collins, speaking at a meeting for the CMS Committee, stated: “Some people have a certain yearning for the kind of equality which prevailed before 1983 […] an age in which clubs succeeded by virtue of their ability.

“Derby County won a league title and Nottingham Forest won two European cups, not because they were richer than the rest but because they found a manager who was better than the rest.

“Sport lost a great deal when it lost the kind of equality that used to prevail.”

The report continues on to bring light to club ownership, including supporter involvement.

The CMS Committee believe that returning the game to a sustainable business while including supporters is an achievable feat and are encouraging the FA to take all their findings into consideration to bring improvements to the game’s governance.

Liverpool v Newcastle Match Report

Liverpool proved once again that they are not backing down from that last Europe spot on the Premier League table and moved into fifth place.

The Reds did not even give Newcastle a chance on Sunday when the Toons visited Anfield, and they walked away with three points and 3-0 clean sheet win.

It was Maxi Rodriguez who yet again opened the scoring early on. It was thanks to a deflection off Newcastle defender Danny Simpson, which Maxi put back past him cleanly into the net just ten minutes into the game.

Young Liverpool John Flanagan picked up a yellow after a foul against Gutierrez. The free kick was taken by the controversial Joey Barton, but was cleared away. Another chance for the Toons camejust a few minutes after when a corner from Barton to Kevin Nolan saw the ball over the bar.

After halftime, Williamson brought down Luis Suarez in the box, costing them a penalty. It was taken comfortably by Dirk Kuyt, making him only the seventh player in LFC history to score in four successive league games.

In the 65th minute, Luis Suarez shows again why he was given a Reds shirt in the first place, by scoring the third goal of the afternoon after a great ball from Kuyt.

Andy Carroll, not fit enough to start, came on in the 70th minute against he old club. The reception was indeed mixed for the striker after the way he left so abruptly in January to come to Liverpool. However, he spent the last 20 minutes of game also proving that Liverpool was the right move for him.

Newcastle earned another free kick but was unable to make anyting of it. Liverpool moved up to fifth place while Newcastle are struggling to stay in the Premier League next season.

Jamie Carragher, wearing the captain's armband in place of Steven Gerrard while he remains unfit, also made history moving into second place on Liverpool's all time appearance list with 665th, tied with Emlyn Hughes.

Liverpool v Manchester City Match Preview

Liverpool will be battling Manchester City tonight for a crucial three points at Anfield.

The Merseyside Reds will have a lot to prove as they have been unable to beat the Blues of Manchester in their last four meetings. If Liverpool fail to pull off a win, their hopes of clinching a Champions League spot will definitely be gone.

Manchester City have suffered in away form though so far in 2011, a weakness Liverpool will indeed pounce on.

The Reds have been unlucky with injuries this season, including captain Steven Gerrard’s groin injury which will see him out for the rest of the season. Daniel Agger will also see the sidelines for the rest of the season with knee problems. Manager Kenny Dalglish’s choices for the back will be limited with Martin Kelly and Glen Johnson also out with hamstring. Fabio Aurelio remains in doubt.

Roberto Mancini’s side is not enduring much luck either. Kolo Toure was suspended earlier in the season by failing a drugs test, Shay Given’s shoulder is still on the mend, and Jerome Boateng is out for the remainder of the season as well after undergoing knee surgery.

A win for Manchester City would put them in third place, one point above Chelsea and ten points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United.

Three points for Liverpool would keep them in sixth place, but still in contention for that highly desired Europe placement while closing the gap on fifth place Tottenham.

Kick-off is at 8pm and will be shown live on Sky Sports 1.

Sunderland v Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool ssecured a much needed three points at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.

It was the Premier League debut for new Red Andy Carroll and alongside Luis Suarez, although the Reds were without their captain Steven Gerrard due to a groin injury.

Liverpool’s first goal came from a controversial penalty. Midfileder Jay Spearing was fouled by the Black Cats’ John Mensah right at the edge of the box. It was given as a penalty and safely taken by Dirk Kuyt.

The second goal came after halftime from Luis Suarez. The midfielder secured it from a tight angle from a throw in by Dirk Kuyt. This was the second goal for the Uruguayan international since joining Liverpool in January.

Although Sunderland started off as the livelier side, they failed to make anything of it leaving goalkeeper Pepe Reina without much to do and a clean sheet in the end.

The Black Cats also lost three players due to injury, including Sulley Muntari, Danny Welbeck and Kieran Richardson.

Luis Suarez also suffered a strain in the 89th minute and was replaced by Joe Cole. The extent of this injury is currently being assessed.

However before his departure, Luis Suarez already proved that he will be vital in Liverpool’s future.

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp told the official website: "I think he'll prove to be a great acquisition for the Barclays Premier League, not just Liverpool."

Liverpool are currently in sixth place on the Barclay’s Premier League table, just four points off Tottenham in fifth and that highly desired European spot.

Liverpool v Manchester United Match Report

Liverpool saw a triumph over Manchester United in a 3-1 win at Anfield yesterday afternoon.

While Sir Alex Ferguson was looking for a bigger lead on top of the table, Kenny Dalglish was out to put a stop to that, and his side pulled through.

However, the win did not go without a hitch. Several heated arguments and yellow cards arose from the clash of the two Premier League giants.

United’s Nani required a stretcher after a challenge by Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, landing the co-captain a yellow and starting a confrontation between the two sides.

Then Rafael proceeded with a tackle on the Reds’ Lucas soon after, which resulted in even more words exchanged.

In the end, Dirk Kuyt scored a hattrick against the Red Devils, with new signing Luis Suarez proving to be a vital role in the win. Liverpool have not had a hattrick against Manchester United since Peter Beardsley in 1990.

Javier Hernandez put a stop to the clean sheet in extra time, but United had no chance of taking any points.

Liverpool’s 35 million pound striker, Andy Carroll, also made his debut on the pitch after a prolonged start due to injury.

Although Manchester United are still sitting on the top of the Premier League table by three points, Liverpool fans rejoiced all over the world as their biggest rivals had fallen at Anfield. The Reds of Merseyside will be holding their heads up high, as their team was a strong force against Sir Alex Ferguson’s weaker side.

While Dalglish expressed his happiness at the win, Ferguson remained quiet as he imposed a 'media blackout,' which includes his teams own station, MUTV.
Liverpool are currently in sixth place on the Premier League table, six points away from that desired Champions League qualifying position.

Liverpool v Wigan Match Preview

Liverpool will surely walk through the tunnel at Anfield tomorrow with their heads held high after a big win over Chelsea last Sunday.


The Merseyside Reds are seeking their fifth consecutive win to put them even closer to a Champions League position.

They will play Wigan, who are in danger of being relegated, sitting in 18th place and a mere two points from the very bottom of the Premier League table.

Wigan will face a fitness boost with the return of midfielder James McCarthy from an ankle injury. However, defender Gary Caldwell could still be sidelined after fracturing his cheekbone, but may still play with a face mask.

Although he missed the England friendly against Denmark this week due to a groin issue, captain Steven Gerrard will be available for the Reds.

Defenders Martin Kelly and Martin Skrtel are both doubtful with their ankle and thigh injuries, respectively. Midfielder Joe Cole is also a doubt with his knee injury.

New signing Luis Suarez is expected to be on the pitch at some point, but his fellow new striker Andy Carroll is still fighting for fitness with a thigh injury.

Kick-off is at 3pm.

Liverpool v Fulham Match Preview

Liverpool will face Fulham tomorrow night at Anfield still fresh from their 3-0 win over Wolves last Sunday.

The Reds’ long awaited win and the return of captain Steven Gerrard will boost the team against Mark Hughes’ side.

Fulham have also won their last league game against Stoke, but they not been able to secure a win at Anfield in their last 29 meetings there.

Manager Mark Hughes will be without defenders Matthew Briggs and Philippe Senderos due to injury, as well as Bobby Zamora out with a broken leg. Dickson Etuhu and Aaron Hughes will be assessed prior to the game after picking up injuries against Stoke last Saturday.

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is still on international duty for Australia, putting David Stockdale in goal.

Liverpool are only without defender and co-captain Jamie Carragher, due to a shoulder injury.

A win for Fulham will put them at the same amount of points on the Premier League table at 29 while a win for Liverpool will see them take a major jump in the table to 7th.

Kick-off is at 8pm and will be broadcasted live on BBC Radio 5 Live.