The Uruguayan has returned from suspension flying alongside the Premier League’s top scorer and insists he is delighted to share the spotlight at Anfield

Liverpool forward Luis Suarez is “so happy” playing alongside Daniel Sturridge because defenders are struggling to contain the deadly duo.

The strike partnership has proved integral to the Premier League side’s fine start to the new campaign, which sees Brendan Rodgers’ men sat in third place after losing just one of their opening eight fixtures.

And with 10 league goals between the pair so far this term, Suarez is eager to continue their dangerous link-up play with the likes of West Brom, Arsenal and Everton looming large on the horizon. 

“I am so happy because when you have a very good striker, and a very good partner, for defenders it is difficult because they have to give their attention to two players – not just one,” he told the club’s official website.

“If maybe two defenders come towards me, this creates space for Danny. This is important not just for me, but for the team and our confidence.

“He is a very good player. He had difficult moments at Chelsea and (Manchester) City, but this is a good time for him and I am so happy with him.”

The Liverpool boss believes that if his current squad needs eight new players to capture the Premier league crown then David Moyes will need even more

Brendan Rodgers has fired back at Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United following the Scot’s claims that Liverpool are some way short of winning the Premier League.

Ferguson spoke at length about United’s bitterest rivals in his latest autobiography, criticising the money spent by Kenny Dalglish in his second spell as manager and also claiming that the current squad needs eight new players to stand a chance of winning the title.

But Rodgers believes the Reds are in a better position than United: “That’s probably two short of what they need then.”

The Reds boss also leapt to the defence of Jordan Henderson after Ferguson singled out the midfielder in his book.

As well as inisisting that he would never have spent £20 million on Stewart Downing, Ferguson described Henderson as having an odd gait and running with a straight back which, he contends, will cause the 23-year-old long-term injury problems.

But Rodgers, who also reacted incredulously to Ferguson’s claims that Steven Gerrard was never a “top, top player”, is disappointed with the Scot’s comments.

“I think if Sir Alex ever bumps into Jordan he might want to apologise for that,” the Liverpool boss told reporters.

“The comment surprised me, I have to be honest, coming from someone with such status in the game. Maybe it was meant as flippant but to a young player making his way in the game it could be damaging.

“Every player is different, and every player at this club has had his strengths and weaknesses medically assessed. The statement in terms of Jordan was inappropriate.

“Sir Alex is in a position to say what he likes, and you don’t have to agree with it, but I think there is a sadness to this as it is something that will probably stay with people for a long while.

“I think every football person would have enjoyed his achievements in the game and the legacy he has left, but now people are only going to talk about the comments in the book.

“In a way I can understand some of the comments, when you have been chasing a club as successful as Liverpool you have to find ways to bring them down.

“But this is a club that has class and history and in the modern era is fighting to get back to that level again.

“I don’t really want to give the book any more publicity than it has already had, there’s been enough reaction in the past few days.

“Sir Alex has obviously bided his time and now feels that his retirement is the time to put a few things straight. It is his right to do that, but I won’t be rushing out to buy a copy.”

The Baggies travel to Merseyside this Saturday unbeaten in their last five league games but our tipster backing them to be trailing at half time

Liverpool welcome West Brom to Anfield this weekend, with both teams looking to get back to winning ways after recent draws in the league.

With the Reds trailing leaders Arsenal by two points coming into these fixtures, a win is vital if they are to keep up with the Gunners, who have looked extremely impressive over the first few months of the season.

West Brom have also put some form together recently, as they look to break into the top 10.

Liverpool come into this fixture having drawn away from home 2-2 with 10 man Newcastle United last weekend.

This result followed up two 3-1 wins for Brendan Rodgers side, against Sunderland and Crystal Palace.

Paddy Power price them as clear favourites for the three points at 2/5 (1.40).

After a slow start to their league campaign, West Brom have started to find some consistency over recent weeks, remaining unbeaten in their last five league matches. Steve Clarke’s side beat a poor Sunderland 3-0, before their shock win away at Manchester United.

Since that victory they have drawn against Arsenal and Stoke City so the Baggies will believe they can get something out of this game.

The odds are firmly stacked against them though, Paddy Power price them at 7/1 (8.00) to cause an upset and claim three points. The same firm price the draw at 15/4 (4.75).

With both teams to score and over 2.5 goals bet too short to touch at 4/6 (1.67) and 4/7 (1.57) respectably, a bet that stands out in this fixture is Liverpool to be winning at half time at 5/6 (1.83) .

An astonishing 84.7% of Liverpool’s goals in the league this season have come in the first half, and with this bet paying out in four of their five home matches this season, its tough to ignore.
 

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