GARY McALLISTER returns to the Leeds United side tonight ready to pit his wits against one of his biggest fans. Liverpool midfield maestro John Barnes pinpoints the Scotland international as the main threat of dashing the Kop's dreams of the double.
McAllister is back for this English FA Cup quarter-final replay at Anfield after being rested in the 2-2 draw with Everton.
Barnes is only too aware of the pedigree of a player, who will lead out Leeds at Wembley on Sunday in the English League Cup final against Aston Villa.
He said: "McAllister is their key player, their playmaker. Most of their moves revolve around him.
"We know Leeds will try and suck us in, hoping to catch us on the break. We have got to be aware of that.
"There is quality throughout their side with players like McAllister, Tony Yeboah and Tomas Brolin.
"I know Brolin is having a difficult time but he can be a match-winner, no doubt about that."
Liverpool are hoping to stretch their unbeaten run to 20 matches and are still harbouring hopes of" the championship despite Newcastle's success on Monday night.
Leeds have found success in domestic cup competitions this season but have slumped in the league. And Barnes sounded a note of caution to Liverpool's fans, who are pencilling in a semi-final date against Aston Villa.
He said: "Leeds lack of consistency doesn't apply as this is the cup, not the league and our unbeaten run will count for nothing.
"They know what we are capable of and will make it hard for us. Next to the league, the FA Cup is the most glamorous competition and we want that semi-final place."
The first match ended in a 0-0 draw at Elland Road, which drew widespread criticism, mainly directed at Leeds manager Howard Wilkinson for his ultra-cautious approach following a 5-0 defeat at Anfield in January.
Liverpool manager Roy Evans said: "You never know what Howard has up his sleeve, although I thought some of the criticism was unjustified.
"This time it will be a different kettle-of-fish and a far tougher game for us than the one at Anfield.
"We've got to be reasonably patient. There is no point chasing the game and leaving ourselves wide open."
Defender Steve Harkness could retain his place in the side as Phil Babb is still feeling the effects of a toe injury, which forced him to miss the 2-0 victory over Chelsea on Saturday.
Yeboah is expected to be back for Leeds after a combination of, ankle and foot injuries while Tony Dorigo (hamstring) could also figure.
Wilkinson, however, is unlikely to include Gary Speed, who saw a specialist on Monday about his fractured cheekbone.
