Birmingham’s James McFadden Aiming To Pile More Misery On Liverpool

James McFadden has admitted his Birmingham City team are hoping to increase Liverpool’s misery with a win at Anfield on Monday night.

The former Everton man returns to Merseyside hoping to inflict yet another defeat on the Reds and suggested the Midlands-based outfit will be encouraged if Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, both injury doubts, miss the game.

“We need to pile on more misery for Liverpool. They might be missing their two best players – Gerrard and Torres – and hopefully we can cause an upset,” he told the Sunday Mirror.

“In their fans’ eyes they need to win every game at Anfield.

“If they don’t they get disappointed.”

The Scot also revealed that, having spent five years at Goodison Park, he still felt an affinity to the blue half of Merseyside and was hoping to impress at Anfield.

“Obviously I’ve still got an affection for Everton. That means I want to do well against Liverpool. I was fortunate to play in a Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Anfield and, although we lost, it was a good experience for me,” he continued.

“Historically, Liverpool are a big club. It will be nice to go there. The way we’ve played in the last few weeks we think we can get something out of the game.

“I still have the banter with Liverpool players and their fans. And my mates at Everton will send me a few texts if we do well.

“But first and foremost I want to do well for Birmingham City.”

The 26-year-old also had some kinds words for under-fire boss Rafael Benitez, insisting he believed the Spaniard had been successful at the club.

“I think Benitez has done a good job at Liverpool, but all the talk is
about the manager being under pressure,” he added.

“We’re going there believing we can win the game.”

Gill Clark, Goal.com UK