Reina eager to bounce back from Hammer blows

Pepe Reina has admitted he must raise his game if Manchester United's title challenge is to receive another devastating blow at the weekend.

The Liverpool keeper has put his hands up to admit he didn't put them up quickly enough at West Ham on Sunday, when his standards slipped below their usual immaculate level.

The Spaniard has won the Golden Gloves clean-sheet award in four of the past five seasons to prove himself one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.

But even though he stands just two clean sheets behind current leader Petr Cech this season - who is on 12 - the Kop star's form has been patchy, as the third goal he conceded against the Hammers proved.

"I won't hide behind any teammates - I was poor. I have to recognise this and keep learning from the mistakes," said Reina.

"Keeping those clean sheets was about not making any mistakes, first of all. I made a couple of them on Sunday and felt really disappointed with my performance."

At Upton Park, Reina was inexplicably beaten at his near post, which ended a run of six clean sheets in seven matches and helped halt Liverpool's eight-match unbeaten streak.

It was a worrying display for fans, reminiscent of Liverpool's dismal early-season form, and the Reds are desperate to bury its memory by bouncing back against bitter rivals United.

They know they can put a dent in the Manchester club's hopes of winning a record 19th league title - finally overtaking Liverpool, who have 18, in the process - if they inflict another defeat on Sir Alex Ferguson's side this weekend.

And the Reds certainly have a chance of inflicting a second devastating defeat in a week on United, as injured defensive duo Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans will now be joined on the sidelines by the suspended Nemanja Vidic.

It means inexperienced Chris Smalling will be partnered by either Wes Brown or John O'Shea in central defence... and increases the chance of towering centre-forward Andy Carroll making his Liverpool debut.

Carroll has been in training this week, and has reported no setbacks. With United looking vulnerable in the air at the back, the £35m man has to become a real option for the weekend - and Reina is looking forward to the prospect.

"I hope it turns out like we all think it will. He's a great player, a top striker and he will score a lot of goals for Liverpool," the keeper said.

"He has that physical condition. Andy is a massive unit and a tough bloke to deal with. I know from my own experience how difficult it is to face these kinds of opponents."

While United face real trouble fielding a strong back four, Liverpool's injury problems are easing, with the likes of Raul Meireles, Daniel Agger and even Fabio Aurelio all now in with a chance of playing.

Only youngster Martin Kelly is definitely out, with coach Steve Clarke confirming the other three and Carroll are expected to be in contention by the end of the week.