GERRARD READY FOR NEW FACES AT ANFIELD
Liverpool approach Premiership outfitPortsmouth have rejected an initial transfer approach from Liverpool for their highly-rated England Under 21's skipper Gary O'Neil. Manager Rafael Benitez is believed to be planning a...
Steven Gerrard expects new faces to arrive at Liverpool during the January transfer window as the Reds look to move within reach of Barclays Premiership leaders Chelsea.
The Reds captain stayed at Anfield in the summer as he hoped Liverpool would mount a serious challenge for the title, and while that has yet to materialise, Gerrard remains confident the team will not be far off come the end of the season.
With potential new signings, plus momentum from another Champions League run, Gerrard believes Liverpool - who are currently ninth but have two games in hand on Chelsea - can surge into contention.
poll: is crouch poo 696NO! Poor sod tries hard, has a fair amount of skill and his effort cannot be faulted. Was he the player the side needed...NO! If you want...
Rafael Benitez's side have picked themselves up after a slow start to the season, and they were particularly impressive against Portsmouth on Saturday, winning 3-0 for a fourth successive victory.
"The manager has brought in some tremendous players and the squad is looking really strong," Gerrard said.
"I'm sure he will strengthen even more in January and we can be a good force this season."
Gerrard looked - for the second successive summer - to be on the brink of joining Chelsea, however his dramatic about-turn meant Liverpool retained their most influential player, and one who inspired their Champions League triumph last season.
"You get a good run in Europe and that gives you confidence and you can take that into league games," said Gerrard.
"I think our wins in Europe have been bringing confidence to the team."
Chelsea's flying start to the Premiership season has seen them open up a nine-point lead over the second-placed side, who are remarkably Wigan.
Jose Mourinho's side have not had it all their own way of late, however, losing to Manchester United, Real Betis and Charlton in the Premiership, Champions League and Carling Cup respectively, and Gerrard is hopeful they might continue to falter.
"Chelsea, of late, have had a little bit of a blip so hopefully they'll keep dropping points and we can capitalise on it," he said.
"All we've got to do is concentrate on what we're doing, keep on winning, keep moving up the table and we're all confident this season can be a success - hopefully we'll be delivering a trophy and getting involved in the title race."
He added: "Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal will still be there, the main challengers, but it's great to see other teams doing really well. The Premier League is looking really strong.
"No-one wants to see Chelsea run away with it - obviously Chelsea do - but everyone else wants to see an exciting title race and that is what we have to aim for."
