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Emile Heskey and Steven Gerrard are both undergoing treatment at Melwood, and while manager Houllier expects them both to be available, we understand there is still a slight doubt.
Jamie Carragher could keep his place in the side even if Houllier decides to go with two front runners this time. There could be a defensive shake-up which would allow Carragher to slot in somewhere across a straight back four, possibly at the expense of Traore
As revealed on TEAMtalk, both Ziege and Liverpool Football Club have been planning Court action against Middlesbrough over the failure to adhere to the clause in the players contract which allows him to speak to any club making a formal offer of £5million-plus for his transfer.
Liverpool made such a formal offer weeks ago but thus far there has been no positive response from Middlesbrough, who have apparently refused to allow the German international to talk to the Merseysiders.
Ziege has said he is totally fed up with the situation and he has prepared a writ which will reportedly be issued in court on Friday if Boro don't back down.
Liverpool have made no comment this morning, but we understand Reds' boss Gerard Houllier is now confident the deal for Ziege will go through over the weekend.
However, the way this boring saga has dragged on over the past month it is advised that nobody holds their breath in anticipation of the deal being completed by Saturday.
Poll said Hamann did not deserve his second yellow card for a tug on Robert Pires’ shirt - but stood by his decision to dismiss Gary McAllister and Patrick Vieira in Monday’s stormy match.
“After reviewing the match video I have decided that the final sending off, that of Dietmar Hamann, was too severe and have asked the FA to rescind the second yellow card,” Poll said. “Of the other two dismissals, I have studied the video footage very carefully and am completely satisfied that the action taken on the night was absolutely correct.
“The first offence by Gary McAllister was what is commonly known as an ‘over-the-top tackle’. Whether or not Mr McAllister intended to inflict injury upon the opponent is irrelevant. I have to say I am sure this wasn't his intention but the fact is he made the challenge with excessive force that endangered the safety of his opponent and was rightly sent off.
“With regard to the dismissal of Patrick Vieira, any challenge made with the feet off the ground at the speed with which his challenge was made, must be deemed as at the least reckless and therefore subject to a yellow card.”
The versatile Frenchman would become the first player to be judged by the FA' new advisory panel, which was set up over the summer to view controversial incidents missed by referees. Three members of the panel of former managers and players examine video footage of an incident before delivering a verdict.
Monday's much criticised referee Graham Poll did not see Grimandi stand on McAllister' right hand after the Scot brought down Patrick Vieira with a two-footed challenge.
McAllister was shown a red card for his challenge but the Frenchman`s instant retribution received no rebuke.
If Grimandi is found guilty it will add to the problems of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who is already going to be without Vieira for five games following the midfielder' s second red card of the season.
Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier will ask the new video panel to review McAllister's dismissal. The other players sent off at Highbury, Patrick Vieira and Dietmar Hamann, will not be able to contest their dismissals as they were for two bookable offences.