Liverpool players start the war of words.

In what can only be seen to be a concerted effort to undermine the confidence Everton's players, Livepool have deployed both Manager and Staff into the media to ruffle some blue feathers.

It started with Rafael Benitez (you know, that guy with the great scouts in Spain) saying that their superior "quality" will see them through.

Benitez said: "We have lots of players in the squad who are experienced when it comes to playing at a high level. Players like Morientes, Gerrard and Pellegrino have all been there and that will be vital for us. "

I say: "You have lots of players in your squad who have failed miserably at that level, yet still have some quite frankly amazing delusions of grandure, and wage packets to match".

Benitez says: "If Everton lose, they will feel the pressure because we will be closer and they will be looking over their shoulder. They know that they have to come to Anfield."

I say: "Anfield: where charity begins at home"

I also say: "What a load of bollocks".

Jerzy Dudek, the Liverpool goalkeeper, said: "Everton have some very heavy games coming up and hopefully that will give us the chance to close the gap and reach our target of fourth place."

I Say: "With you in goal Jerzy, we cannot possibly fail".

The Liverpool media operation has started the war of words early, in a rather desparate attempt to influence the season. Will it work? I think not.