Team News for Hull

[Frogfish]

Defender Andrea Dossena and midfielder Alberto Aquilani are the only two absentees from Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez's squad to face Hull on Saturday.

Dossena injured a groin in the midweek Carling Cup victory at Leeds while Aquilani, who has yet to make his debut since a £20million move from Roma in August, has stepped up his rehabiltation and has started running again.

Benitez will revert to his strongest line-up on Saturday, having fielded a second-string side at Elland Road.

Hull defender Anthony Gardner could be back in contention for Saturday's clash.

The former England international has been out for the past month with a knee injury but will travel to Anfield with the rest of the squad.

Ibrahima Sonko is also available after being cup-tied for the midweek Carling Cup loss to Everton, Jimmy Bullard (knee) is making encouraging progress but is not yet ready to feature while Steven Mouyokolo (hamstring) is still sidelined.

Youngsters Tom Cairney and Liam Cooper could play a part after impressing against Everton.

Teams:

Liverpool (from): Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Insua, Aurelio, Benayoun, Mascherano, Gerrard, Lucas, Babel, Kuyt, Torres, Riera, Cavalieri, Agger, Ngog, Voronin, Spearing.

Hull (from): Myhill, Gardner, Dawson, Mendy, Marney, Olofinjana, Hunt, Boateng, Barmby, Ghilas, Geovanni, Zayatte, Cousin, Halmosi, Kilbane, Altidore, Fagan, Cairney, Cooper, McShane, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Sonko, Duke, Warner.

 

[Frogfish]

Brazilian midfielder Geovanni signed a new two-year contract with the club ahead of the game.

The 29-year-old has scored 10 goals in 44 appearances for the Tigers, including their first in the Premier League against Fulham 13 months ago.

He joined the club on a free transfer in July 2008 after being released by Manchester City.

The former Barcelona and Benfica player was one of the stars of Hull's first season in the top flight.

His new deal extends his previous arrangement by one year, committing him to the club until 2011.

Manager Phil Brown said: "It's fantastic, great news for me and great news for the club.

"He has committed for another two years and, who knows, maybe further.

"Maybe that could be a catalyst. He was a big player for us last year with eight goals and a number of assists.

"I'm not just happy with his form, I'm happy with his work-rate.

"He has certainly shown me that he has learnt the English way, the game we play it. He has fitted in very nicely this year.''

Geovanni has featured in each of Hull`s matches this season, scoring twice, and says he is pleased to be staying at the KC Stadium.

He said: "I am very happy, I am pleased to be here for two more years. I want to stay."

 

[doctor_mac]

Froggy, you really can't help yourself can you?

There's a perfectly good Hull thread on this page!

 

[Frogfish]

[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=36060.msg950967#msg950967 date=1253949425]
Froggy, you really can't help yourself can you?

There's a perfectly good Hull thread on this page!
[/quote]

😀 I think it's an addiction !

In truth I looked at the Hull thread and thought since different issues, some pretty much off topic, were being debated it made sense to start a new thread.

An exaggerated example of course but the Alonso thread was beyond the pale ... nobody is going to trawl through even a few pages to find something of interest (especially if they have been in it before) whereas a new thread might just peak their interest. Anyway that's my point of view and I'm sticking to it !

 

[jan]

Haha, Babel isn't starting

Thanks errbody.. 4 the support.. I m not starting .. So let's hope then I can come on..Bless

 

[Skullflower]

[quote author=jan link=topic=36060.msg951117#msg951117 date=1253970568]
Haha, Babel isn't starting

Thanks errbody.. 4 the support.. I m not starting .. So let's hope then I can come on..Bless
[/quote]

awwwwwww

poor nucka.