Slaven Bilic has given his final press conference of the year this morning ahead of Saturday’s lunchtime kick off against Liverpool.

He told assembled journalists:

“Payet is back and has been training with us for a couple of days. Depending on how he goes today he will be in the squad. It is a great boost for us and he will be involved in the game. Jelavic is training today and Victor Moses and  Winston Reid are back.”

“There is a small chance that Moses and Reid will be in the squad but more likely for the FA Cup game against Wolves. The players will celebrate New Years Eve with their families. They will be professional and back in for training on Friday.”

“Liverpool have won the last couple of games with some good results. We are expecting a tough game. Klopp has a team full of energy.”

“They have kept two clean sheets and they are very confident, but we are also very confident and are playing at home.”

“We have a plan. It doesn’t happen overnight. The Club have shown we are aiming to go forward. We are progressing and are in a good way.”

“The situation with injuries looks very bright now. When we have a full squad we have a really good team and enough players.”

“I don’t think we are going to be very active in this transfer window unless something exceptional comes along. We are happy.”

“If we are lucky Sakho will be back early February and we are happy with the squad. We did a good job during the summer. We want to keep playing good football. We have shown we can play against any team in the Premier League. We can finish very well.  Our target is to pick up as many points as possible. This is a very difficult league – the hardest one in Europe. But we are good.”

“Liverpool are contenders to win the league, like the other teams above them. If they have a good run, of course they can win it.”  

“Klopp has been a boost for the Premier League. All the big clubs wanted to take him. He is good for the league. Expectations are high.”