Next Game

Michael Owen returns to Anfield for the first time since leaving for Real Madrid last Summer. The Newcaster striker readily admits that he could well have return to Liverpool this summer, but that things didn't work out. Rafa Benitez has also said the although deal wasn't possble this year that the door is most certainly not shut and he would consider Owen in the future.

Benitez has put it in Jamie Carragher's hands to keep his close friend and former team mate at bay when the two sides meat on Boxing Day.

Michael Owen is bound to recieve a warm welcome by the majority of the KOP, famous for their love of their players both new and old, although there will be a number that still haven't forgiven him for the fact or even the way he left for Real Madrid. One things for sure only the travelling support will be cheering if he manages to score this Monday and Owen saysthat he has fond memories of his time at Liverpool but insists he will not feel "guilty or embarrassed" if he scores in front of the fans who once adored him - nor will he try to rub salt in the wounds.

"I remember a conversation with Jamie Carragher a while back when we saw a player looking downcast after scoring against his old club. I don't think either of us could understand that and, if I score, I will celebrate as joyfully as I did at West Ham United last Saturday...I won't shy away or feel guilty or embarrassed, but nor will I be running over to the Liverpool bench and sticking two fingers up."

Another player who is returning to his face his old club is midfielder Didi Hamann, who has reponded well to treatment after suffering injury to his knee following a horror tackle from Essien (Chel$ki) earilier this month. He is still expected to line up in Midfield while Momo Sissoko serves a one game ban.

Meanwhile Alan Shearer is hoping to break the club record of most goals scored by a Newcastle player. It is unlikely to come this Monday, however, as Liverpool's defence has only been breached once in the last 12 games.

Teams:
Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Warnock, Traore, Luis Garcia, Xabi Alonso, Gerrard, Hamann, Kewell, Cisse, Morientes, Crouch, Josemi, Sinama-Pongolle, Carson.

Newcastle (from): Given, Harper, Carr, Ramage, Babayaro, Elliott, Boumsong, Bramble, Taylor, Faye, Emre, Solano, Luque, Ameobi, Bowyer, N'Zogbia, Clark, Brittain, Shearer, Owen, Chopra.