Dalglish wary of Swansea challenge

04 November 2011 01:46

Kenny Dalglish admits his Liverpool team will have to be patient when they host newly-promoted Swansea at Anfield.

The Reds' start to the season has been undermined by frustrating home form, which has seen them pick up just two wins from their five matches.

They drew with Sunderland on the opening day and have also been held by Manchester United and Norwich, as well as struggling to get past Wolves.

Liverpool have conceded in each of their five home matches and have to go back to 2003 for a worse run without clean sheet at home.

Swansea have impressed since their promotion through the Championship play-offs but have managed just one point away from the Liberty Stadium.

All the same, Dalglish insists his team will not worry if they cannot make an early breakthrough against the Welsh side.

"It's a game that we're going to have to be very patient in. They pass the ball well, they move it well," he said.

"The supporters have to understand that sometimes there is a bit of disrespect for teams who have been promoted.

"Swansea might have spells of possession in the game, which we've got to accept.

"We've rued the games against some promoted teams over the last few years. Swansea are one of the promoted teams but they're a decent side and they've got a good collection of points."

As well as struggling at the back, Liverpool have also failed to make the most of creating numerous opportunities in home games this season.

But Dalglish is confident that his strikers will soon be able to make the most of the chances that Liverpool are creating.

"We've always said we'd like to convert more of the chances we create, but as long as we keep creating them then we'll have a chance," he said.

"I think we've created more chances than anyone else in the Premiership.

"Hitting the post or the crossbar doesn't even count as a shot on target - so if you add those to the other chances we've created, it's been a fantastic effort from the players."

Dalglish will make a late decision on whether to include Jamie Carragher, who has been struggling with a calf problem.

Steven Gerrard has already been ruled out until the end of the month with an ankle problem that flared up in the build-up to the 2-0 win over West Brom last weekend.

Swansea defender Garry Monk feels the time has come for the newly-promoted team to start picking up results on the road.

Brendan Rodgers team collected their first away point of the season when they picked up a 2-2 draw at Wolves last time out, although they did let a two-goal lead slip at Molineux.

Despite Swanseas grim away run, Monk is sure that his team can pull off a shock at Anfield.

"Now we have to build on what weve done away from home," he said.

"It doesnt matter if its Liverpool. They are a fantastic team, a fantastic club with a fantastic history -- but we go there looking to win.

"We feel were growing into things and we want to grow further. We want that next step which is a win away from home and thats what were looking for at Liverpool."

Monk, 32, is still haunted by his first-ever visit to Anfield, when he was part of a Southampton team that was thumped 7-1 in 1999.

"It was my worst experience in football. It really was one to forget but I cant," he said.

"It was embarrassing and it really left a mark on me. Its something I still think about to this day and before every game I have a little word with myself and promise to never let it happen again."

Alan Tate, who is sidelined with a broken leg, is Swansea's only injury absentee.

Source: AFP