Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Ian Rush: Chance For Ryan Babel To Stake His Claim

Tuesday night’s Carling Cup tie at Leeds United represents a great opportunity for some of Liverpool’s fringe players to make a point to Rafa Benitez.

I’m sure there will be a number of changes from the weekend win at West Ham.

That was a tough test and with the quick turnaround Liverpool will be in need of some fresh legs.

With the game against Hull at Anfield on Saturday and then the European clash away to Fiorentina next Tuesday, it’s a chance to give key players a night off and see what others can do.

One player I expect to start is Ryan Babel after his impressive substitute appearances at Upton Park.

The Dutchman’s pace caused the Hammers problems and produced a great cross for Fernando Torres to head home the winner.

Babel deserves a start and this is the ideal match for him to stake a claim for a more regular place.

When a chance comes along you have to take it because you only get so many at Liverpool before you have to start looking for another club.

There are a number of players in that category and we will see what they are made of on that night.

It’s vital these players produce the goods against Leeds and their aim has to be to give the manager a headache ahead of the game against Hull.

It’s got the makings of a cracking tie.

Leeds may be two divisions below but they are flying at the moment and manager Simon Grayson is doing a very good job.

They have a great home record and this will be the first full house they have had at Elland Road for a long time.

There will be 38,000 fans packed in and I know from my playing days there that Elland Road can be a real cauldron.

Leeds are a big club who fell on hard times due to their well documented financial problems but it looks like they are on the way back up.

Their confidence will be high after an unbeaten start to the season and their fans will really get behind them.

Leeds will be fired up but it’s the kind of game every Liverpool player should relish being involved in.

It’s a game we should win but only if the attitude is spot on.

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