West Ham United v Liverpool | Buildup

[Craig_H]

Dont think Alonso's gonna make it

Xabi Alonso is a doubt for Saturday's trip to West Ham - though both Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres should be fit.
Alonso left the field on a stretcher last weekend following a high challenge from Newcastle's Joey Barton.

The Spaniard was followed into the treatment room by Mascherano, who was substituted with a twisted ankle.

"Xabi is the main doubt for the weekend," Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv. "He has been working and hopefully he will be better in a few days. He is improving but we have to wait.

"We'll have to check him for the weekend because it is more serious than Mascherano's injury."

Fernando Torres is in line for a return at Upton Park after missing Sunday's 3-0 win with a hamstring problem.

"He is training with the physios and maybe tomorrow he will start training with the rest of the team," added Benitez. "I think he will make the weekend."

Meanwhile, Torres is likely to travel with Spain to the Confederations Cup in South Africa next month, but Benitez is hopeful his star striker will have plenty of recuperation time during the summer.

He said: "We have to work together with the fitness coaches and also the doctors of Spain during the summer and hopefully it will be okay for him."

[Tee]

I just thought... if we win we will go top with only 2 games remaining. It has been a very long time since we have been in that position!! : prays :

[wiw]

God the season is almost finished

Won't be an easy game but I think we'll get the win. Hoping Torres gets a few as I've got him as top scorer

[MrMichael]

Poor Xabi's had some rough treatment this season. Was there a record for number of players sent off for fouling a particular player in a season? He must have smashed it.

This could be a tricky game, West Ham are in decent form. We're in better though

[Elvoz]

the scum will win the league this weekend
we wont win and they will

[lucas]

the scum will win the league this weekend
we wont win and they will

[Pablo]

Poor Xabi's had some rough treatment this season. Was there a record for number of players sent off for fouling a particular player in a season? He must have smashed it.

Yes some idiots still claim he gets them sent off on purpose , he's lucky he hasn't been more seriously injured this season.

It will be a tough game this, their confidence is high. Gettting back top of the league is about all we can do to put some pressure on United to slip up, ANOTHER must win game.

[Ben_Itez]

We need a result here and im pretty sure we'll get it. At least it'll put a bit of pressure on United but ever since they got that ludicrous penalty against Tottenham they've looked somewhat back to their best.

I'm an eternal optimist but even I have almost completely written off the league now. If City and Arsenal manage to beat Utd i'd be absolutely AMAZED.

[Tee]

I tell you what, I really fancy Arsenal to go to OT and get something. They have a point to (try and) prove. Maybe only a draw but Scum will drop some points.

[squaddie]

Poor Xabi's had some rough treatment this season. Was there a record for number of players sent off for fouling a particular player in a season? He must have smashed it.

This could be a tricky game, West Ham are in decent form. We're in better though

I think its a major part of his game to be honest, you know the manager tells his players to make sure not give him any space to work with, so they fly in at him.

Its something that makes him such a great player he's willing to take the knocks (not flying two footer tackles) if it helps the team. Plus his awareness generally helps him out of bad tackles.

But to get on topic i really believe we'll win the rest of our games. Not because i think they will be easy, i just think the team and the manager know exactly what needs to done from here on out.

[DannyMan2006]

I think its a major part of his game to be honest, you know the manager tells his players to make sure not give him any space to work with, so they fly in at him.

Its something that makes him such a great player he's willing to take the knocks (not flying two footer tackles) if it helps the team. Plus his awareness generally helps him out of bad tackles.

But to get on topic i really believe we'll win the rest of our games. Not because i think they will be easy, i just think the team and the manager know exactly what needs to done from here on out.

I actually think it shows the difference in Alonso between this season and last. Last season teams put him under the same pressure and he ended up getting caught in possession and conceding goal scoring chances to other teams.

That was the major reason myself and others could see why Rafa was ready to ditch Xabi in favour of Gareth Barry. This season Alonso has been more alert and has shifted the ball so much better. Teams are still using last years tactics on him and they are being made to look foolish.

[squaddie]

I actually think it shows the difference in Alonso between this season and last. Last season teams put him under the same pressure and he ended up getting caught in possession and conceding goal scoring chances to other teams.

That was the major reason myself and others could see why Rafa was ready to ditch Xabi in favour of Gareth Barry. This season Alonso has been more alert and has shifted the ball so much better. Teams are still using last years tactics on him and they are being made to look foolish.

Totally agree with you. Must admit i wasnt to happy when i heard Rafa was thinking about gettin rid of Xabi, but i could see why as he wasnt in his best form. But i think that was the kick up the arse he needed. He turned up and confirmed to everyone he's still that class player we all love.

[DannyMan2006]

Alonso ruled out of West Ham game.

And Torres and Mascherano fit to start.

Breaking news on Sky Sports News.

[Craig_H]

****ety ****.

[Will]

****! Id drop Stevie in the middle with Masch and go Benyaoun off Torres rather than throwing Lucas in.