Dalglish hoping Liverpool luck will change

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is hoping his side can benefit from a change in luck when they face Manchester City on Tuesday.

Liverpool are in sixth place in the English Premier League, but have struck the woodwork 18 times this season, more than anyone else in the Premier League, while their tally of 24 goals is the worst in the top six.

But Dalglish feels his side is due for a change in fortune ahead of their trip to Etihad Stadium.

“As I’ve said many times before, I don’t think the players have had their reward for the performances they deserve,” Dalglish told the club’s official website.

“Maybe January 3 (City) is going to be the game we get the little bit we deserve for the great play, effort and commitment the players have put in. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.”

“To get 2011 out of the way was good for us because I don’t think we’ve had too much luck in the matches we’ve played in the first part of the season.”

Dalglish is aware of the challenge posed by Roberto Mancini’s squad of stars, but remains confident his side can compete, just as they did in a 1-1 draw at Anfield back in November.

“We’ll have a look, see how we’re going and how we’re going to play,” he said.

“We’ve got the utmost respect for what they’ve done. It’s all very well and good saying they’ve got a lot of money, but they’ve also got a good team.”

“We’ll just go and play whatever 11 they put on the pitch. It doesn’t matter what they cost. We’ll give a lot for the football club and try and get a result.”

Liverpool have been boosted by the return of captain Steven Gerrard from a lengthy injury lay-off, but while Dalglish admits he is happy to have his talisman back, he is wary of putting pressure on him.

“We’re delighted to get any one of our players back,” the Scot said. “Everyone of our players we value.”

“They’re all very important to us and we’ll respect and appreciate everything they do for the football club.”

“Some will get more credit than others, some might get a bit more stick than others, but they all put in a good shift and we’re delighted with the efforts of every player that’s been here, especially in the first part of this season.”