GERRARD HOPING FOR TORRES REUNION

Steven Gerrard is hoping his formidable front line partnership with Fernando Torres can be reunited in time to fire the Reds to glory at the end of the season.
Gerrard has now resumed action after recovering from a hamstring tear while Torres is hoping to be back in the starting line-up for next Tuesday's Champions League clash with Real Madrid. The Liverpool skipper admits the constant injury problems which have affected himself and Torres over the course of the season have been a major source of frustration - but with so much still to play for this term he is hoping the pair can soon begin terrorising opposition defences once again. "It's been frustrating because I certainly love playing with him and from reading some of the things he's said, he loves playing with me," said the skipper. "Ideally we want to end the season playing together and performing for the team. "I spoke to him a couple of days ago and he seems very optimistic so fingers crossed he can pull through for Tuesday because you know how much I like playing against Everton, and I'm sure it's the same for him playing against Madrid." Despite a seven point gap to Manchester United at the top of the table, Gerrard is refusing to write off the Reds' title chances and was pleased the players bounced back to winning ways in midweek against Sunderland. "It was a comfortable win and it lifted everybody," he added. "We've struggled at home this season but in midweek we were patient and got our rewards. It was important to bounce back with a win and a good performance. "The following night it was frustrating watching Newcastle play United because there were times when I thought United could drop points. Newcastle went in front and then I was off the couch when they almost scored a second. "United seem to be playing well and getting the results but if teams believe they can take points off them then I am sure it will happen sooner or later. It's important for us not to let the gap get any bigger and if they make mistakes we have to be ready to pounce. Of course, we all know how big our game at Old Trafford is going to be. "Our season is still very much alive. We're not giving up in the title race and we're 1-0 up in the Champions League and one win away from a place in the last eight. "It's important people stay positive and upbeat and not be down or worried about things."

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XABI FRUSTRATED BY CITY BAN

Xabi Alonso admits he will cut a frustrated figure this weekend when he watches Liverpool's clash with Manchester City from the stands.
Having collected five yellow cards so far this term, the Reds' Spanish midfielder will serve a one-match ban for the visit of Mark Hughes' men, who themselves go into the game having won just once away from home this season.

With Manchester United hitting top form at the top of the table, Alonso insists three points are a necessity against City - and he's hoping for a far less dramatic game than the one played out between the two sides earlier in the campaign.

"It's always frustrating to watch games from the stands but I have known for a while I was likely to miss a match at some point and it has to be this one on Sunday," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"The important thing is all our international players came back fit and also had some time off. It's important to have some time to disconnect during the middle of the season and now we can look forward to the game with Manchester City, which is going to be very important for us if we want to challenge for the title.

"Hopefully it won't be as dramatic as our game at City when we were two goals down at half-time. We had to play with a lot of belief in that second half and score three goals, which eventually we managed. This time hopefully it will be more comfortable.

"They are a good team even though they haven't got the best of away records this season, so we know we will be in for a tough match."

Alonso's absence could be tempered by the possible return of Steven Gerrard from hamstring trouble, although the Liverpool skipper is expected to start the game from the substitutes' bench.

"It's good to see Stevie coming back but we have to wait until he is one hundred per cent," added Alonso.

"It's not intelligent to rush him back. Whenever he feels okay he will be a big part of our squad again."

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KUYT: WHY WE HAVEN'T PEAKED YET

Dirk Kuyt today promised Kopites they have yet to see the best of the current Liverpool side - claiming many of his teammates were only just reaching their peak.

The Reds sit second in the Premier League and look like serious title contenders for the first time since 2002 - but the Dutch forward is convinced there is even more to come over the coming seasons.

Kuyt told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It's right to say we have players who are just reaching their peak.

"Steven Gerrard just seems to get better every season. Maybe he hasn't even reached his peak yet. He scores loads of goals and everyone can see how important he is. It's the same with Fernando and a few others.

"We have a lot of young, talented players who have now been at the club a long time.

"I think this is the best team I have played with at Liverpool."

Next up for Rafa Benitez's men is the visit of Manchester City on Sunday.

Kuyt scored a last-minute winner at the City of Manchester Stadium earlier in the season, one of a host of late comebacks which ensured Liverpool were still in the hunt after Christmas.

The 28-year-old puts this new-found ability to turn games around down to a familiarity in the dressing room.

He explained: "It was a crazy game and a really important one. We were 2-0 down at half-time but saw a completely different Liverpool side in the second half.

"I think the comebacks have been possible because the team has been together for longer. All the players know each other better, and I also think there are a lot of players here who are getting better each year."

If Liverpool are to complete a double over Mark Hughes' side, Kuyt believes Brazilian star Robinho must be kept on a tight leash.

The Holland international admits he has been surprised by how quickly Robinho has settled into life in the Premier League.

"He's a fantastic player and he's done really well," he said. "It's not easy coming from the Spanish league because it's more physical here. I thought it would be tough for him but he's shown he can do really well here. He's scored a lot of goals and I'm sure as City get stronger as a team he'll become even better."

Liverpool go into this weekend's game on the back of a two-week break from competitive action.

Benitez allowed his players a few days off following last week's internationals - something Kuyt believes will be of benefit as the season progresses.

"The manager gave us a few days off so I went back to Holland to see family and friends. The whole family went and enjoyed it," he said.

"Hopefully it will be my last opportunity to go back this season, because that would mean we are doing really well.

"We're all ready for the rest of the season now. If we'd have got through in the FA Cup we would have been playing but we have to see this as an opportunity to be fresh for the games ahead."

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