DOTIMSPREDICT: GERRARD

Showing posts with label GERRARD. Show all posts

Thursday, 16 April 2015

Gerrard could face United, Chelsea in pre-season tournament

Steven Gerrard may not have to wait long to face old rivals Manchester United and Chelsea again as his future employers LA Galaxy could play against the Premier League giants in the International Champions Cup.

The pre-season tournament, which takes place across North America, is set to return for a third edition between July 11 and August 5 this year.

And, in an intriguing sub-plot, Gerrard - who will end his 26-year association with Liverpool to join the Galaxy in July - could go up against either United or Chelsea, or even both.

Fixtures for the tournament, which was won by United in 2014, have yet to confirmed, so it remains to be seen for sure if Gerrard will take on his old foes.

Gerrard faced United for the final time in his Liverpool career last month, but lasted just 38 seconds as a second-half substitute before being sent off for a stamp on Ander Herrera.

La Liga leaders Barcelona will also provide a star attraction at the Champions Cup, with Lionel Messi and co signed up to take part.

Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, Porto and FIorentina are involved, as are MLS duo New York Red Bulls and San Jose Earthquakes, plus America of Liga MX.

Monday, 23 March 2015

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard sorry for 38-second red card

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has apologised following his dismissal after 38 seconds in the 2-1 defeat by Manchester United.

The 34-year-old, who is due to join LA Galaxy at the end of the season, came on as a half-time substitute and was sent off for stamping on Ander Herrera.

Gerrard is now set to miss three games.

"I need to accept it; the decision was right. I've let down my team-mates and the fans. I take full responsibility," Gerrard told Sky Sports.

"I don't know what caused it. Probably just a reaction to the initial tackle [by Herrera].

"I shouldn't say more about it really. I've just come out here to apologise to the dressing room and supporters."

Liverpool were already trailing 1-0 when Gerrard was dismissed by referee Martin Atkinson in what will be his final game against Manchester United.

After appearing for the second half, the captain put in a robust challenge on goalscorer Juan Mata, with Herrera responding with a firm tackle on Gerrard, for which the Manchester United midfielder was booked.

TV replays showed Gerrard reacted by stamping on Herrera as he lay on the ground and he was shown the sixth red card of his Premier League career.

Steven Gerrard shown red card after stamping on Herrera

"Steven probably watched the first half and saw us not make a tackle and there was probably some frustration in there. He has apologised, Brendan Rodgers told BBC Sport.

"He is a wonderful captain and came on hoping he could influence the game, but that was probably not the way he would have liked it.

"The players continued to fight to get something from the game and the man that Steven is, he has apologised, and we move on."

Having just returned from injury, Gerrard is now likely to miss FA Cup quarter-final replay against Blackburn, and two of eight remaining

Premier League games - at Arsenal and at home to Newcastle.

The former England captain announced in January he was leaving Anfield at the end of the season, after joining the Reds aged nine.

"From now until the last kick of the last game of the season, I will be as fully committed to the team as I ever have been and giving everything I have to help Liverpool win games," he said at the time.

Gerrard, who made his Liverpool debut in 1998, led the club to the Champions League title in 2005, and has won a further nine trophies in his career.

Friday, 13 March 2015

Gerrard fit for Swansea game

Steven Gerrard will be available for Liverpool when they travel to Swansea City in the Premier League on Monday.

Gerrard confirmed the news in a media conference on Thursday ahead of a charity game to be held at Anfield at the end of the month.

The Liverpool captain has missed the last seven matches after suffering a hamstring injury in the 3-2 victory over Tottenham last month.

Without Gerrard, Liverpool have won all three of their league outings, although they were dumped out of the UEFA Europa League following a penalty shootout at Besiktas.

With 10 Premier League games remaining - and an FA Cup quarter-final replay with Blackburn Rovers still to come - Gerrard's return to fitness will provide a welcome boost to manager Brendan Rodgers.