Rafael Benítez has insisted he will curb his squad rotation at Arsenal today because of a lingering threat to Liverpool's Champions League qualification prospects from their Merseyside rivals Everton.
Fernando Torres is among the high-profile talents expected to be rested when Liverpool return to the Emirates Stadium three days after holding Arsenal 1-1 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Unlike Arsène Wenger, who still has an outside chance of taking the title from Manchester United, the Liverpool manager can afford to utilise his squad, with Tuesday's second leg at Anfield in mind. Victory over Everton last week has given Benítez's team a five-point lead with six games remaining but the Spaniard denies that the fight for fourth has ended.
Despite his protestations Benítez will make changes from the side that started on Wednesday. Torres's likely absence could give Peter Crouch or Andriy Voronin a rare start, and Steve Finnan and Jermaine Pennant are also in contention for a return. The veteran defender Sami Hyypia is another to be rested.
Meanwhile, Liverpool will appeal against the extra two-match ban handed to Javier Mascherano, who has served one game for his two yellow cards at Old Trafford and admitted a charge of improper conduct for his refusal to leave the field. "We have requested that the penalty not be set aside pending the outcome," the club said. "Consequently, Javier is suspended for Saturday’s game at Arsenal."
Fernando Torres is among the high-profile talents expected to be rested when Liverpool return to the Emirates Stadium three days after holding Arsenal 1-1 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Unlike Arsène Wenger, who still has an outside chance of taking the title from Manchester United, the Liverpool manager can afford to utilise his squad, with Tuesday's second leg at Anfield in mind. Victory over Everton last week has given Benítez's team a five-point lead with six games remaining but the Spaniard denies that the fight for fourth has ended.
Despite his protestations Benítez will make changes from the side that started on Wednesday. Torres's likely absence could give Peter Crouch or Andriy Voronin a rare start, and Steve Finnan and Jermaine Pennant are also in contention for a return. The veteran defender Sami Hyypia is another to be rested.
Meanwhile, Liverpool will appeal against the extra two-match ban handed to Javier Mascherano, who has served one game for his two yellow cards at Old Trafford and admitted a charge of improper conduct for his refusal to leave the field. "We have requested that the penalty not be set aside pending the outcome," the club said. "Consequently, Javier is suspended for Saturday’s game at Arsenal."
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