Liverpool Kicks Off Crucial Week Of Premier League And European Action With Vvisit To Reading

The Reds have a must-win Champions League match at Marseille followed by a clash with fierce rival and defending Premier League champion Manchester United, but first has to defend its unbeaten start to the English season at Reading.

Fortunately for Liverpool, it appears to have overcome a rocky spell that included a cluster of drawn matches and has hit 21 goals in its past five games, while conceding just once.

Liverpool is seven points behind leader Arsenal, which is at Middlesbrough on Sunday, and manager Rafa Benitez is eager for another three points as he seeks to end Liverpool's 17-year streak without an English league title.

"I always think of one game at a time and the players know how important this match at Reading is,'' Benitez said. “We need to be focused in every game and we want to keep the pressure up on the other teams.''

And Liverpool should be confident of doing just that.

It has already beaten Reading this season, with Fernando Torres hitting a hat trick for a 4-2 League Cup win.

With Liverpool scoring whoever is in the team, Benitez may rest the Spain striker for the upcoming matches and field Peter Crouch up front.

Benitez also has to decide whether to bring Xabi Alonso, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio back into the team after they returned to training after injuries, while Jamie Carragher has recovered from bruised ribs and is set to play.

With a 10-point gap having developed between ninth and 12th, Reading is marooned in the bottom half of the standings and keen to put distance between itself and the relegation zone - which is just three points back.

"It will be a tough game against a side with a very good team spirit,'' Benitez said.

Reading will be without John Oster because he needs ankle surgery, while defender Michael Duberry is not ready to return even though he has resumed training following cracked ribs.

Victory for Liverpool is even more important because Manchester United, which is three points ahead in second place, has a home match against last-place Derby.

Reading v Liverpool - Reds' Benitez Has Dilemma On Carragher - Royals Miss Oster

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez will be looking to maintain the club's unbeaten record in the Premiership this season and eyeing a victory over Reading at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.

While The Royals have picked just one point from the last four games, The Reds are in a blazing form having won their last three league games, five in all competitions.

Steve Coppell's side are without winger John Oster who has to undergo an ankle surgery, while defender Michael Duberry has joined in training after recovering from cracked ribs but apparently is not fit to play.

Benitez however has a dilemma whether to play Jamie Carragher if the defender recovers fully from the blow to his ribs. The former England international is just a booking away from a suspension and given that Reds next play Manchester United in the league, Carragher could well not be risked.

Daniel Agger may return from his long absence due to a metatarsal problem while Jack Hobbs is also an option.

Teams:

Reading (from): Hahnemann, Federici, Murty, de la Cruz, Ingimarsson, Sonko, Bikey, Cisse, Shorey, Rosenior, Gunnarsson, Harper, Fae, Hunt, Convey, Doyle, Kitson, Long, Lita.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Hobbs, Riise, Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Lucas, Sissoko, Kewell, Babel, Kuyt, Voronin, Crouch, Torres, Itandje.

Benitez Set To Gamble

Rafa Benitez is prepared to gamble with Fernando Torres’ fitness ahead of a landmark week in Liverpool’s season.

The in-form forward was subjected to a physical battering at Reading in the Carling Cup earlier this season.

But the Anfield boss would be happy to push his top scorer back into the front line on Saturday, even with the must-win Champions League clash at Marseille looming just three days later.

Benitez admitted yesterday he hadn’t decided on his starting line up for Saturday's tea-time trip to the Madejski Stadium, but said he would have no qualms about handing Torres his fourth start in succession, matching the longest run of games he has had since joining the club.

“I think it will be difficult for all our players because Reading are physical and they are strong,” explained Benitez.

“It is especially difficult for the strikers. But Torres is strong enough and he also has ability and good movement, so if the team is playing well he can manage with the physical game.

“I think Torres can produce good movement and it will be difficult to control him.

“He has been resting for one month so he is fresh and we can use him more often now.

“The key for me is when you have two games in a week, with only two or three days in between, it makes a big difference in how you play.

“But Torres is fit and we don't have any problems about him playing two or three games now.”

Benitez added that some players are better suited to the demands of back to back fixtures.

“We try to manage the players, but some players can handle the games better than others,” he added.

“If we can talk about one – Momo Sissoko – he can play at a very high tempo and be fit in two or three days. Other players who are older or who play in another position may need four or five days. So you need to know all these things.

“Torres is a player who can work for the team, but I am pleased with all our strikers.

“Voronin can do the job, Crouch can do the job and Kuyt can do the job, too. All of them work hard to defend for the team and all of them can go forward and score goals.

“So I am really pleased with the forwards.”

Rafael Benitez Wants His Players Fighting Fit For Marseilles

In dressing-rooms at football clubs up and down the country, the hottest topic of the moment is Ricky Hatton’s WBC welterweight title contest against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the early hours of Sunday, but woe betide any Liverpool player who intends to stay up until 4am to watch the action live on Sky Box Office.

With a critical Champions League encounter away to Marseilles on Tuesday evening, Rafael Benítez, the manager, has told his players that they cannot risk disrupting their sleep patterns by watching the Hatton bout. This may sound like a typical instance of megalomania from a manager who upset his players at Valencia by banning paella, ice cream and olives from the canteen at the training ground, but Benítez feels it is necessary. After their 5.15pm kick-off for the Barclays Premier League match away to Reading on Saturday, they will fly back to Mer-seyside and have a meal together before being sent home under strict instruction to get a good night’s sleep.

“We try to control these things,” BenÍtez said yesterday. “After the game the players will have dinner and we take care of these things. Some players need more time than others, but it’s really important to rest, especially in this situation, where we are playing late away and then away again soon after. I don’t think the players will be staying up to watch the fight. Anyway, they have DVDs.”

With a light training session planned at Melwood on Sunday before a 10am flight out of John Lennon International Airport on Monday, BenÍtez is determined that his team will be in peak condition for the challenges that lie ahead next week. With that in mind, he was delighted to report yesterday that Daniel Agger and Xabi Alonso could be in the squad that travels to France after being given the all-clear to step up their training after being sidelined by metatarsal fractures, and that Jamie Carragher is fit to play at Reading, having recovered from a rib injury.

As well as the match in Marseilles, which they must win in order to guarantee their progress to the Champions League knockout stage, Liverpool have a crucial league match at home to Manchester United on December 16. Somewhere in the midst of this BenÍtez must also find time to sit down with Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr., the club’s owners, in the hope of resolving the disagreements that have cast serious doubts about his long-term future at Anfield.

BenÍtez, fully aware how his position has been compromised by his recent fall-outs with the board, has been far more contrite over the past ten days as he has sought to repair his relationship with Hicks and Gillett, but he is eager to press his case with regard to strengthening the squad during the January transfer window. A new central defender to cover for Carragher, Agger and Sami Hyypia remains a priority, as does securing a permanent deal to sign Javier Mascherano, whose contract at Anfield expires on June 30.

BenÍtez antagonised Liverpool’s owners last month by negotiating a £17 million deal directly with Kia Joorabchian, the head of the companies that own Mascherano’s economic rights. Hicks and Gillett effectively vetoed that deal, feeling that BenÍtez was wrong to commit to such a sum, but the Spaniard is eager to impress on them the importance of securing a long-term deal for the Argentina midfield player, who, concerned by the lack of reassurances from the board about BenÍtez’s long-term future, is attracting rival interest from Barcelona and Manchester City.

“Clearly, I hope Mascherano stays here,” BenÍtez said yesterday. “We are talking now about this but I have confidence because he tells me he wants to stay. I am confident he can be persuaded to stay here. He is playing well and everyone knows he is a good player and there are not too many world-class holding midfielders around. He wants to stay, our supporters like him and we will try to keep him.”

Mascherano The Priority As Benitez Ends Rift At Liverpool

Rafael Benitez insists he will sign Javier Mascherano permanently despite growing speculation linking the on-loan midfielder with a move away from Liverpool.

The Anfield manager is upbeat about the prospects of completing a £17million deal for the midfielder but is fully aware he has no control over a third-party's ownership of the Argentine and any desire they might have to tout the player around Europe's richest clubs.

Mascherano, who caused West Ham so much trouble with his contract there, has a similar loan deal at Liverpool, the key difference being that the Anfield club's agreement is within the regulations the London club breached last term.

But that means Mascherano is now being linked with Barcelona, Juventus and Manchester City, while Benitez's own attempts to buy the player were blocked by Liverpool's American owners in their well-publicised recent fall-out.

However, Benitez remains confident the 23-year-old will eventually sign a permanent deal at Anfield. He said: "Clearly, I hope Mascherano stays here. We are talking now about this but I have confidence because he tells me he wants to stay.

"I am confident he can be persuaded to stay here. When I spoke to Javier, he told me he wants that, so I have confidence that we will sign him.

"He is playing well and everyone knows he is a good player and there are not too many world-class holding midfielders around. He wants to stay, our supporters like him and we will try to keep him."

Benitez's renewed confidence could have sprung from what is a clear thawing of his relationship with Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

The fact the Spaniard watched his reserves win over Everton earlier in the week, with Gillett's son Foster by his side, underlines that normal service has resumed.

Foster was installed at Anfield to work alongside chief executive Rick Parry, and it would be inconceivable now to suggest discussions about January transfer targets are not ongoing.

Mascherano, rested for last weekend's 4-0 win over Bolton, is now set to play a key part in a critical week that will define Liverpool's season. After Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Reading, Liverpool face a make-or-break Champions League tie in Marseille on Tuesday, where only a win will keep them in the competition.

The following Sunday, Manchester United visit Anfield, while a trip to Chelsea in the Carling Cup quarter-finals comes three days later.

Benitez will be boosted by the likely return from injury of four key stars for some or all of those four vital games. Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger, Xabi Alonso and Fabio Aurelio are all back in training and are likely to be involved at some stage soon.

Triple Injury Boost For Benitez

Rafael Benitez has been handed a triple injury boost with the news that Xabi Alonso, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio could be back for what promises to be one of the biggest weeks in the club's season so far.

The Reds boss revealed the trio are close to a return and added the club's medical staff will be assessing their fitness at Melwood on a daily basis. Jamie Carragher has also recovered from his bruised ribs and is line to play at Reading on Saturday.

"Alonso trained today and is very close to a return. Agger is closer as well and Fabio could be back," commented Benitez.

"Carra is okay and he can play at the weekend."

Despite crunch matches coming up against Marseille and Manchester United, Benitez is adamant his players will be fully focused on keeping up the pressure at the top of the table when they visit Reading this weekend.

Having scored 21 goals in their last five matches Liverpool are in a rich vein of form, and the boss admits he would be more than happy with a repeat of the scoreline that saw Fernando Torres fire a hat-trick in the Carling Cup tie back in September.

"I always think of one game at a time and the players know how important this match at Reading is," added the Reds boss.

"We need to be focused in every game and we want to keep the pressure up on the other teams.

"We have experience against Reading. I remember when we won 4-2 at Reading in the Carling Cup this season and people said it was an easy game. It wasn't. I remember watching the video of the game after the game and they gave us some problems, and it won't be easy. It will be a tough game against a side with a very good team spirit."

Liverpool’s Kuyt Prepared For Reading’s Physical Challenge

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt is prepared for the physical challenge of Reading and is hoping boss Rafa Benitez selects him for Saturday’s away fixture in the Premiership.

The Dutch international saw his team-mate Fernando Torres being dished out a barrage of crunching tackles when the Reds took on the Royals in the Carling Cup in September. But the Spain ace had the last laugh as he scored a fine hat-trick.

Kuyt told Liverpoolfc.tv: "That is what the Premier League is all about. There are quality players but you also have to get used to the physical challenge.

"Fernando did really well. He kept getting kicked but kept getting back up and scored goals – that's always the best answer.

"I like the physical side of the game in England but sometimes you get the feeling defenders get more protection than attackers."

He added: "Rafa didn't pick me for the Carling Cup but hopefully he will on Saturday. I will be ready and hopefully I can go on scoring goals against them."

Rafa Issues Reds Challenge

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has challenged his side to maintain their rich vein of form as they look to keep pace with the leaders at the top of the table.

The Reds have won their last five games, scoring 21 goals and conceding just one in the process.

Liverpool travel to Reading this weekend before vital games against Marseille and Manchester United and Benitez is demanding more from his players.

"I'm really pleased at the moment because we are creating chances, scoring goals, not conceding and we're winning games. There are lots of positives for me to look at right now," Benitez told the club's official website.

"When you've scored 21 goals in five games and only conceded one then it would be easy to say that's enough, but as a manager you always want to improve.

"We have a lot of players still to come back like Fabio Aurelio, Xabi Alonso, Jermaine Pennant, Daniel Agger and Steve Finnan and so when they're all fit and available we can be better still.

"We've a big period coming up and we know that in football one result can change everything.

"Our confidence is high at the moment but we have to keep going and keep winning.

"There are lots of big games to look forward to - starting this weekend at Reading - and we have to show the right mentality in each of them."

Gerrard: Hard Working Torres Makes A 'Big Difference'

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has praised the contribution that Fernando Torres makes to the side - and not only in a goalscoring sense.

Despite the hefty price tag, few could argue against Fernando Torres thus far proving Liverpool's most successful summer signing.

The 23-year-old has already netted 11 times for the Reds even though he has been used sparingly by coach Rafa Benítez.

A firm favourite with the Kop just a few months after moving from Spain, Torres has also earned the respect of Anfield skipper Steven Gerrard.

"Fernando is getting a lot of praise at the moment and rightly so because the way he has settled into English football has been amazing and the way he has played is frightening," Gerrard told the Liverpool Echo.

"It can be difficult for players from abroad to settle into English football but at the moment Fernando looks like he's been playing here for years.

Everyone is talking about the goals he has scored and the way he has scored them but I don't think we should lose sight of all the hard work he is putting in off the ball as well.

He defends from the front and doesn't allow defenders to have a second on the ball. If they even think of dwelling on it he is on to them straight away. He is always looking to help the midfielders and the defenders and that makes a big difference. I've got to be honest, I'm made up to have him in our team."

With the likes of Crouch and Kuyt spearheading the attack for the majority of last season, Liverpool were often criticised for lacking pace up front. Gerrard agrees that Torres' pace and skill in running at defences is a useful weapon.

"It is great to have someone who gives us that different option. Fernando loves running in behind defenders and that gives us the option of hitting him early before defences have even had a chance to react. He's had a great start to his career and long may it continue."

Rush: Liverpool Must Keep Crouch

Liverpool goalscoring legend Ian Rush is convinced that Peter Crouch must stay at Anfield.

Peter Crouch's future at Liverpool is a regular subject of speculation, with manager Rafa Benitez's rotation policy restricting his playing time this season in particular.

But someone with an eye for a goal, and a goalscorer, is one of Liverpool's all-time scoring greats, Ian Rush - and he has no doubt whatsoever that the club must hang on to Crouch.

"He has done nothing wrong," said Rush.

"Every time he has played for Liverpool he has been superb.

"He's a fantastic different option for Liverpool and England and has never let Liverpool down.

"He [Benitez] can't ask Peter Crouch to do anything else. He has done exactly what he's been asked to do but he's got to be patient.

"He has become a better player simply by being at Liverpool Football Club."

Liverpool’s Hobbs Hopeful Of Premiership Start At Reading As Carragher One Yellow Card Away From Suspension

Young Liverpool defender Jack Hobbs is hoping for a Premiership start in Saturday’s game at Reading.

The 19-year-old, who had joined the Reds from Lincoln City in 2005, had come on as a substitute in his Premiership debut in the second half in Sunday’s win over Bolton Wanderers at Anfield as Jamie Carragher was injured with a blow to his ribs.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has however expressed his confidence that Carragher will be fit for the Madjeski Stadium trip. But the England international is only a yellow card away from making it five for the season if he enters the book against the Royals, which would then see Carragher miss the big clash against Manchester United the following weekend.

"Carra has a week to recover to the Reading game, but if I can fill in and help out I will do," Hobbs said on the club’s official website.

"I'd look forward to it and feel I am ready. I was a little bit nervous when the manager told me to strip off on Sunday. When he called me over I didn't know that Carra was injured, but when I got told I was on I was excited and nervous. I just wanted to get out there and do it.

"It's another step in my career. It's a bit more experience for me and it will make the time easier. I'm glad to have come through it without any mistakes.

"Fingers crossed I can get another chance at Reading. Steve Finnan's injury isn't that bad but I'll keep training this week and see what happens. It depends on injuries how often I play this season, but I will keep training hard and see what happens and if I get a chance, I know I must take it."

He added: "I'm relieved and quite pleased to have finally made my Premier League debut. I'm just glad to have got a run out, really happy.

"I've been on the bench a few times but haven't been part of it in the league, but I was glad to just get out and do my bit for the team.”

Manchester City After Javier Mascherano?

Manchester City are reportedly set to make a £17million move for Javier Mascherano.

The Liverpool midfielder's long-term future remains uncertain as the Reds continue to stall over making his deal permanent and according to Wednesday's papers, City are now in the picture.

Rafa Benitez is reportedly urging Liverpool's American owners to make funds available to keep the Argentina international but with no offer on the table, the door is now open for the Eastlands outfit to make a bold approach.

The Daily Star claims a meeting took place between one of Mascherano's advisors and a close associate of City owner Thaksin Shinawatra last week.

Mascherano is owned by a consortium headed by Kia Joorabchian and the deal which took him from West Ham to Liverpool is due to run out at the end of the season - at which point the Daily Star claims Liverpool would have to cough up £17m to keep him at the club.

But City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has pinpointed the 23-year-old as one of his primary targets and the Eastlands outfit could even attempt to conclude a deal which would see him complete his move in the January transfer window.

According to The Independent Mascherano is also wanted in Italy, although he is thought to prefer a switch to Barcelona in Spain if he does leave the Premier League.

Liverpool Capello Link Is 'Nonsense'

Liverpool were quick to distance themselves from rumours linking Fabio Capello to Anfield.

Fabio Capello, having already expressed an interest in succeeding Steve McLaren as England boss, has been linked with Liverpool this week.

Current boss Rafa Benitez’s public row with Reds co-owners George Gillet and Tom Hicks over the availability of transfer funds was cause for concern at the club. The Americans were said to be aware of Capello’s availability.

However, Benitez has apparently shown remorse after the spat, with the situation unlikely to go any further. The club has acted quickly to quell the rumours.

Spokesman Ian Cotton said: "This story is complete nonsense."

61-year-old Capello is currently out of work since being sacked by Real Madrid after winning the Spanish title last season. Chief Executive Rick Parry was adamant that no talks had taken place.

"It is absolutely, completely and utterly untrue. Capello has not contacted us and we have not contacted him."

Liverpool Unite Around Torres´s Goals

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has become a beacon of light amid a public dispute between Reds manager Rafael Benitez and the club's American owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks, over transfer policy.

The Spain striker's goal in the 4-0 win over Bolton last weekend was his 11th in 17 matches and left the Reds six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal in third place.

Liverpool haven't been champions of England since winning the last of their record 18 titles in 1990 but hopes are growing at the north-west side that they may be getting themselves into position to mount a sustained challenge.

Meanwhile keeper Jose Reina is just glad to be in the same team as Torres after playing against his compatriot in Spain.

"I was Fernando's favourite goalkeeper back in Spain, he put so many goals past me," Reina said.

"Fernando has been getting better and better over the last few weeks. He has become a very important player for us, he has pace, and he can now finish.

"He has the qualities to play consistently at a very high level, and now he is at that level in England. He is quick, strong and clever. He has great movement and can be aggressive to cope with playing against big defenders.

"He is so important. He can be a target player, but he can play other roles. Let's see how much more he can progress, I believe he will do that."

Torres, who joined Liverpool for more than 20 million pounds (40 million dollars) from Atletico Madrid, has scored four goals in five games.

Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool captain who himself has scored eight in nine, said of the forward: "Getting into double figures before Christmas is great for him and the team. We know if we get him chances, he will score."

However, Benitez added there was plenty of work left for Liverpool to do if they were to be crowned English champions for the first time since the creation of the Premier League.

"We haven't hit the high standards that we are capable of, not just yet. We can improve a lot, we have injuries at the moment and when they are all fit we will have even more players with quality.

"It will mean we can change players during the game and for different matches to give us fresh legs to be able to maintain the level we require.

"We need to play every game with a very high tempo, and with more players fit and available we will be able to sustain that," the Spanish boss added.

"To win a title it is not just about winning games and staying close.

"It is all about the small details and they can make a big difference. We can play better but we are in a very good position."

Brazilian Star Raves About Liverpool Duo Gerrard & Torres While Barca & Juve Wait On Mascherano

Liverpool's young Brazilian star Lucas Leiva is relishing the chance to play alongside two colleagues he rates among the best in the world.

Lucas has been drafted into Liverpool's midfield in recent games late alongside skipper Steven Gerrard, and with record signing Fernando Torres in front of him.

The 20 year-old, who signed in the summer for £5million from Gremio, is rated in South America as the best Brazilian of his age group and he has adapted to the English game remarkably quickly.

And having Gerrard and Torres around to help him has been a key factor, he claims.

Lucas said: "It is fantastic playing alongside Steven Gerrard, he is among the best in the world. And to have Fernando up front - he too is one of the best in the game - as well is a dream for me."

Lucas has impressed in Liverpool's last two Barclays Premier League games against Newcastle and Bolton.

He said: "Stevie and I are obviously different players. I am younger and I am still learning and he is helping me a lot.

"When I play in midfield with him I have to play more of a holding role because he can go forward, create chances and score goals himself. Hopefully, when I have played more games and got more confidence I can go forward more myself.

"But I am happy just to be playing because I can learn from players like Steven.

"It is fantastic to play alongside him because he is one of the best players in the world.

"Hopefully, one day, I will be as good as he is but that is a long way away."

And Lucas is revelling in the fact that Torres, with 11 goals in 17 games, is proving already to be a success at Anfield.

Lucas added: "Fernando is a fantastic player and he can score a lot of goals. He is a very good striker and he can be the best striker in the world."

Lucas has proved to be a more than adequate understudy for Javier Mascherano, and has recently been given the chance to shine.

Liverpool are still trying desperately to tie down the Argentinian on a permanent contract, but if that proves to be too difficult Lucas could comfortably step into the role.

With that deal on hold until the club's American owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, have their much heralded meeting with boss Rafael Benitez later this month, there are concerns that Mascherano could slip through the net.

Both Barcelona and Juventus are monitoring the situation, and Liverpool know they must come up with £17million to make the loan deal permanent.

Whether the Americans will sanction that deal remains to be seen, and has been one of the main fears for Benitez as he has expressed his concerns about the club's transfer policy.

Lucas could end up as the beneficiary of any delays in that move, or even the loss of the player altogether.

For now he is just happy to be making his mark at his new club.

He said: "We are scoring a lot of goals at the moment and we have to keep that going.

"It is hard to say why it is happening at this time but the team is playing really well and we are creating plenty of chances.

"We have played really well in the last five or six games and the confidence is much better because we are scoring goals and winning but now we have to look forward to the next game."

Results Serve To Further Strengthen Rafa Benitez's Hand

It seems Tom Hicks was right after all. Rafael Benitez should focus on coaching and training his team – because he seems to be doing a pretty good job of it at the moment.

And all in all, this approach will only help Benitez if his simmering confrontation with the Americans boils to the surface again.

The best thing he can do now is to keep quiet and concentrate on getting Liverpool another three points at Reading on Saturday and taking them through to the Champions League knockout stages with victory in Marseille in a week’s time.

All of which would give him not only more points and more progress, but more bargaining tools when Hicks and Gillett make their way over the pond in two weeks’ time.

With the small matter of re-financing the stadium, you can hardly blame the duo for not exactly waving open cheques at Benitez even as January gets ever closer.

But the manager shouldn’t be worrying about this. He needs to put all his energies into getting his side into a position whereby it will be impossible for him not to be backed financially.

Imagine how the conversation will go if Liverpool beat Manchester United at Anfield in a fortnight and really prove how serious they are as title challengers this term.

Would you like to look Benitez in the face and tell him he can’t have what he wants to put the finishing touches to the squad he will need to see out the second half of the season?

No, and neither will Tom Hicks. He will if he has to and he was right to do so when this feud was made public.

But he will be wary that anyone who isn’t fully behind Benitez at Anfield these days is in a pretty lonely place – last week’s march to Anfield before the Porto game proved that. Benitez doesn’t need petty press conferences to make that point. At the moment, the only point he needs to make is through his players and they are doing a fine job of that.

Especially when he picks the right ones, and that was exactly what happened against Bolton on Sunday.

Peter Crouch up front with Fernando Torres works a treat because they are the two Liverpool strikers who give defenders the most problems.

Crouch is one of those forwards that you just have to watch. You can’t afford to take your eyes off him and the way he occupies opponents is perfect for Torres.

The Spaniard likes to roam free and into slightly wider areas and someone like Crouch up there enables him to do it.

He scored on Sunday and he hit a hat-trick when he played up front with Crouch a Reading in the Carling Cup. No coincidence.

It’s back to the Madejski Stadium again on Saturday and, while Benitez might want to have someone a bit deeper like Kuyt or Voronin away from home, I’d like to see him go for it a bit more.

With two out-and-out centre-forwards like Crouch and Torres you might leave yourself wide open, especially in a 4-4-2. But I think Reading are worth taking the risk against.

Liverpool are safe enough at the back these days and if you are a bit vulnerable the answer is simple. Just outscore them.

It will mean another victory on the pitch and perhaps, more significantly long-term, victory for Benitez in the boardroom.

After all if Liverpool keep winning this week it will only strengthen his hand.

Rafa Hails Torres And Claims: We Will Be Close

Liverpool kept up their push for the title after another stunning show by Fernando Torres.

And boss Rafa Benitez is confident his men will stay in the hunt after crushing Bolton at Anfield yesterday to move up to third in the table.

"In the last three years we were too far behind, this year we are closer and we have a better squad," said Benitez. "I have confidence, but we need to see where we are at the end of January. We'll play a lot of games and we have some problems with injuries. If we don't make mistakes we will be close."

He added: "The team is playing well, we weren't fantastic but it's a good win.

"It's also important we don't have just one striker scoring 20 goals a season - we need others with 15."

Sami Hyypia, Torres, Steven Gerrard and substitute Ryan Babel swept aside Bolton but the win was marred when Jamie Carragher was flattened by Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina for the second time this season.

Carragher went off with damaged ribs after his team-mate clattered into him as they attempted to clear the ball.

A similar incident at Sunderland put Carragher out for three matches with an identical injury.

Benitez must wait to find out if he has cracked ribs but could see the funny side as he said: "I think Pepe is going to kill Carra or finish his career one day."

Liverpool could afford to laugh at the collision as Nicolas Anelka failed to take advantage of the mix-up and somehow contrived to miss an open goal with Bolton just 1-0 down.

Wanderers boss Gary Megson was unhappy with his side's display. "We didn't play well or compete anywhere near the level we did against Manchester United," he said. "We must do that every time and make that game the standard."

We'd Follow Benitez Out The Door, Warns Torres

Liverpool star Fernando Torres has warned the club’s owners that they risk a players’ revolt if their ongoing feud with Rafa Benitez results in the Spaniard’s dismissal.

The Reds faithful have already made their support for the manager very clear both ahead of and during last week’s Champions League triumph against Porto, and now ‘El Nino’ has left no doubt as to where the allegiance of the players lies.

“He cannot leave. The fans have given their verdict and it was clear,” said Torres, who continued his rich vein of form in front of goal with a stylish second during the 4-0 drubbing of Bolton Sunday.

“Benitez has created a team of people who are indebted to him. It’s certain if he goes many players will think about their futures.

“Benitez is not just another manager. He created a team and put his faith in players that owe him a lot.”

The manager himself refused to be drawn out his love-hate relationship with the club’s American owners during the post-match press conference. He did speak out in praise of his young striking sensation, however, while at the same time warning against Torres-dependence.

“Yes, it is great to have a striker who can give you 20 goals a season but it is easier for defenders if he is the only man they have to worry about.

“You also need others who will give you 15 and players who can score important goals — and we have that.

“We scored four today but it could easily have been more.”

Carragher To Be Fit For Reading

Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher is expected to be fit for this weekend's trip to Reading despite picking up a rib injury on Saturday.

The defender was injured in a collision with goalkeeper Pepe Reina against Bolton Wanderers, which resulted in Nicolas Anelka's astonishing miss with the goal at his mercy.

Carragher was substituted early in the second half to be replaced by debutant Jack Hobbs, a product of the Anfield youth system.

But some fans had expressed reservations about the youngster starting in Saturday's Premier League fixture, which might have been necessary due to the Reds' current injury crisis in defence.

However manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed that Carragher is likely to shake off the problem in time for the journey south to Berkshire.

"Carra took a knock in the ribs when he collided with Pepe but I do not think it was that serious," the Spaniard told the club's official website.

"I'd expect him to be fit for the Reading game."

Veteran Sami Hyypia also played in the centre of defence against the Trotters yesterday and may be required to continue in the role with a number of players still on the sidelines.

Daniel Agger is expected to make a comeback in the next few weeks, while full-back Steve Finnan also missed the Bolton game with a calf problem but is likely to return against the Royals.

LiverpooL 4 - 0 Bolton

Liverpool maintained their unbeaten Barclays Premier League record, made it five successive wins and continued to rattle in the goals.

After demolishing Bolton, they have scored 21 goals in that five-game run to move into third place in the table, a point behind Chelsea with a game in hand.

In a week that has seen boss Rafael Benitez seemingly settle his public dispute with the club's American owners, his side have been in tip-top form.

Four goals against Porto and four against a dispirited Bolton has dispelled any lingering doubts about Benitez's side.

From Besiktas to Bolton over the past weeks there is now a list of people who have learned to their cost that if there is trouble in the corridors of power at Anfield, it ends when the players walk on to the pitch.

Goals from Sami Hyypia and Fernando Torres - his 11th in 17 games - had Liverpool in command at the break and a Steven Gerrard penalty sealed what was a comfortable victory before Ryan Babel tapped in the fourth.

Bolton had gone five games unbeaten under new boss Gary Megson, but despite a initially defiant display, they were eventually brushed aside.

Bolton made four changes from the side that produced their best display of the season in beating Manchester United last weekend. Jlloyd Samuel, Gary Speed, Gavin McCann and Lubomir Michalik all returned in a team that included two former Liverpool strikers, Nicolas Anelka and El-Hadji Diouf.

Bolton started with Kevin Davies, usually a striker, on the right of midfield, but moving in to support Anelka when the Trotters broke out.

And that ploy caused Liverpool more than a few problems.

Initially, Bolton were under pressure as Harry Kewell and Yossi Benayoun ran at their defence. Ricardo Gardner had to kick away from an open goal from Peter Crouch, and then Jussi Jaaskelainen needed to be alert to scoop away a Torres close range effort after Benayoun's run.

Bolton come into their own at set-pieces, and when a Diouf corner was flicked on by Abdoulaye Meite right in front of Jose Reina, the ball was hastily cleared.

Diouf was booked on 11 minutes for a nasty tackle into Alvaro Arbeloa's ankle with the ball long gone. And it was Liverpool who went ahead from a set-piece of their own.

Gerrard's 16th minute free-kick was flicked into the bottom corner by Hyypia.

Crouch, with a header over from Gerrard's corner and then Kewell with a snap shot that flew wide threatened to increase the lead, but generally Bolton were working very hard to stop Liverpool's build-up from the back.

Anelka and Diouf were always capable of causing problems for Liverpool's defence, while Campo, Speed and Gavin McCann battled to regain possession.

Torres saw a cross-shot go wide of the far post, but at the other end Davies got away into space on the right to fire in a fierce low shot that Arbeloa hooked away from a gaping net.

And on 38 minutes, Anelka should have equalised. Reina and Jamie Carragher collided on the edge of the box, and the ball ran for the Frenchman on the right of the six-yard box.

But somehow he managed to miss an open goal from 12 yards, putting his effort into the side netting. And Bolton were to regret that clanger.

A minute from the break, Torres eased Liverpool's tensions with a stunning goal. Gerrard's 35-yard, inch-perfect through ball, sent Torres into the box to clip his 12th goal of the season over Jaaskelainen.

Gerrard surged into the box and saw a fierce drive deflected by Jaaskelainen four minutes into the second-half, and a minute later Carragher was replaced by teenager Jack Hobbs, who made his league debut. Carragher had been hurt in that first-half collision with Reina.

But on 54 minutes Gerrard did beat Jaaskelainen, this time from the spot. Peter Crouch looked to be impeded by both Meite and Michalik as he went for a Gerrard cross.

Referee Steve Bennett pointed to the spot and Gerrard drilled the penalty home.

Reina saved from an Anelka snap-shot on 59 minutes but all hope had gone for the Trotters.

Campo was booked for a foul on Benayoun on the edge of the box and Torres almost scored again when he surged in from the right, beat three men and chipped the ball over the far angle.

Stelios Giannakopoulos replaced Diouf on 65 minutes, and a minute later Babel took over from Kewell for Liverpool.

Dirk Kuyt replaced Torres on 76 minutes, and the Dutchman helped Gerrard set up Babel for the fourth with six minutes left.

Meite headed a Babel effort off the line soon after as Bolton were reduced to praying for the final whistle.