NEXT MATCH

LIVERPOOL V NEWCASTLE UNITED
Sunday 3 May 2009 13:30

Liverpool entertain Newcastle United at Anfield on Saturday with the Reds looking to retain their unbeaten home record in the Barclays Premier League.

Rafa Benitez's side have not lost a league game at Anfield since December 2007 and enjoy a fine record against the Magpies in front of the Kop.

Last season, a Fernando Torres inspired Reds ran out comfortable 3-0 victors and Newcastle haven't claimed a point at Anfield since May 2004 when they played out a 1-1 draw on the final day of the season.

That draw came ten years after they last won a league encounter at Anfield.

Earlier this season, the Reds demolished Newcastle 5-1 at St James' Park. Steven Gerrard scored twice with Sami Hyypia, Ryan Babel and Xabi Alonso also finding the back of the net.

RAFA'S DELIGHT FOR DOUBLE DUTCHMAN

Jimmy Rice at the KC Stadium 25 April 2009

Rafa Benitez singled out Premier League centurion Dirk Kuyt after his double blast helped Liverpool to a 3-1 victory in Hull.

The Dutch striker marked his 100th league appearance for the Reds with two second-half goals to see off Phil Brown's plucky side.

"Everyone has to be really pleased at the club because Kuyt is a fantastic professional who always works so hard," Benitez told reporters. "It was very good for him to score on his 100th game - very positive. I'm really pleased for him."

Xabi Alonso was Liverpool's other goalscorer at the KC Stadium, where the hosts showed the kind of fighting spirit that could keep them in the division.

Geovanni scored for Hull after the 58th minute dismissal of Caleb Folan for violent conduct towards Martin Skrtel.

Benitez added: "The sending off was clear - I watched the replay. After this, credit to them - they had 10 men but were still pushing.

"We deserved to win so I'm happy - we got three points from a difficult game. It was difficult because they worked hard and were pushing.

"It's always dangerous (against relegation strugglers) because you know they will fight until the end. We talked about it before. We needed to be calm and challenge for every single ball.

"We were a little bit nervous because the pitch was terrible. The grass was long and it was very difficult to pass the ball. That means you can make mistakes when the other teams goes to press.

"But you have to accept this situation because it's part of the game, and we were better in the second half.

"We were a little bit nervous but we showed character."

HULL C. 1 - 3 LIVERPOOL

Hull C.	1 - 3	Liverpool
Geovanni		X. Alonso
		D. Kuyt
		D. Kuyt

X. Alonso



D. Kuyt



Geovanni



D. Kuyt