Benitez Wants To Be Realistic

Rafa Benitez is refusing to look any further ahead than Liverpool's next game as he hopes his side experience a change in fortunes.

The Reds drew 2-2 with Birmingham at Anfield on Monday night to leave them 11 points adrift of Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Benitez's men had already been ruled out of the title race by some critics, but the Spaniard has always remained adamant that his side were contenders.

However, the former Valencia boss has now played down his team's dreams of league silverware, while also calling for realism as Liverpool aim to end a disappointing run of results.

He said: "We have to be realistic and think what our target is now. For me it is just the next game, the next point to see whether we can climb a little higher in the table.

"Then you never know what can happen. We did win six games in a row, if we did that again everything would be different.

"The main thing now is to get players fit, and see who we have available for the next game after the international break.

"We will then wait for some months to pass and see whether we can win some games in succession. That is all I am looking at now."

Benitez added: "People keep discussing our bad run, but previously we won six on the trot and we have beaten Manchester United.

"It is a question of keeping going. I would be really worried if we were not playing well and not winning. But I can see that we are beginning to play better, it is a question of luck now.

"Maybe people think that I am angry about all this. But when I see the players working so hard, trying to change our situation, there is nothing more to say to them, they are doing all they can.

"This is the only way to change our situation. To keep working hard and play well, and I believe we did play well against Birmingham."

Liverpool Full-Back Emiliano Insua Insists Title Challenge Is Not Over

Liverpool full-back Emiliano Insua claims the Reds can still be crowned Premier League champions this season, but results must improve soon if that aspiration is to be fulfilled.

Despite dominating for large parts of the game, Liverpool could only manage a 2-2 draw against Birmingham City at Anfield on Monday night, a result that leaves Rafael Benitez's side sitting outside the top four and a full 11 points behind leaders Chelsea.

The draw will prove a bitter pill to swallow for Reds supporters, especially when considering the nature of David Ngog's controversial dive to earn a penalty for the equaliser, although Insua is remaining upbeat.

"Right now we are a little bit far [behind] but you have to keep going and everything can change," he told Sky Sports News.

The Argentine pointed to a run of form that last season saw Liverpool finish just two points behind eventual champions Manchester United; form that he hopes can be replicated.

"Last season we were ten points behind and we finished two points [behind], so we have to keep going and winning games is the most important thing."

Liverpool Will Take It One Game At A Time - Rafael Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has explained that his side will take things one game at a time as they look to overcome a miserable run of results - the latest being a 2-2 draw against Birmingham City at Anfield.

The Reds are enduring their worst spell in decades, as they have only one victory from nine outings in all competitions. Furthermore, star striker Fernando Torres heads a lengthy injury list that shows no signs of shortening.

"I think that for the last three weeks to a month, it's been the same," Benitez is quoted on FIFA.com as saying.

"We only think about one game at a time so I can't talk about anything else, just three points, so I won't talk about the table or positions.

"We won six games in a row before and when we were under pressure we won against Manchester United, playing really well, and the character has been fantastic but we couldn't achieve the three points against Birmingham."

The Merseysiders take on Manchester City at home after the international break.

Johnson - Reds Record Awful

Glen Johnson believes Liverpool must stick together to bring an 'awful' sequence of results to an end.

The Reds had to come from 2-1 down to hold Birmingham to a draw on Monday night in a match at Anfield they were firm favourites to win.

Rafa Benitez's men have picked up just one victory in their last nine matches in all competitions, while they remain 11 points adrift of Premier League leaders Chelsea and are in danger of being knocked out of the UEFA Champions League.

Johnson admits that such a run is simply not good enough but he is refusing to panic and insists Liverpool can turn the situation around if they approach future challenges with the right attitude.

"The record sounds awful and it is awful for a club like Liverpool. But things like this happen in football. You stick together and keep fighting," said the right-back.

"We have seen in the league that everyone can beat everyone; if someone had told you at the start of the season that we'd win one in nine, you'd have laughed your head off.

"We will just look to get as many points as we can as quickly as possible then have a look at the end of the season and see where we are."

Benitez still has a number of fitness concerns following the clash with Birmingham but Johnson maintains there were positives to take from the performance if not the result.

"Unfortunately we have picked up a couple more injuries but the sooner we get the lads back together the better it will be for everyone," said Johnson, who provided an attacking threat on his return from a calf problem.

"I am one of the worst when it comes to being injured. I can barely watch when that happens and all you want to do is help out.

"You just have to listen to your body. I have had a problem with my groin and torn my calf. It has been very frustrating but now I am looking to get going properly."

On the draw with Birmingham, Johnson said: "We want to be winning these games and I felt we did more than enough to take three points but it just wasn't meant to be.

"You could say we could have dealt with the first (Birmingham goal) better but (Cameron) Jerome has hit the strike of his life for their second goal.

"We had chances, we dominated the game and you can see everyone was working for the cause. It's just one of those times for us at the minute and we just need to keep working.

"As long as we keep showing the togetherness and passion that we did here, then I am sure we will come through with a smile on our face."

James Ellison On Target As Liverpool FC Under-18s Bounce Back From Derby Defeat

James Ellison fired the winner as Liverpool under-18s bounced back from their derby defeat to beat Crewe Alexandra 1-0 at the Kirkby Academy.

Rodolfo Borrell’s side provided a positive response to last week’s 2-0 home defeat to Everton. The only downside was that their dominance wasn’t reflected in the final scoreline. But thankfully Ellison’s first-half strike was enough to claim all three points against the Railwaymen on Saturday.

Liverpool almost took the lead within the first five minutes, but Andre Wisdom failed to connect with a right-wing corner.

Borrell’s side made much of the running throughout but they were thankful to goalkeeper Deale Chamberlain, who saved superbly from Mike Koral to make sure they didn’t fall behind early on. While on 20 minutes Cheyenne Dunkley was just wide for the visitors.

Liverpool, though, always held the upper hand and they confirmed their superiority when taking the lead just before the half-hour mark. Wisdom’s cross was turned in from close range by Ellison.

Crewe almost levelled just before half-time but John Stephen’s shot went just wide.

Liverpool failed to fashion too many clear chances despite dominating possession, but on the hour Stephen Sama was just off target with a header following Tom Ince’s free-kick.

The home side continued to press forward and substitute Michael Ngoo hit the bar, while Jack Robinson had another effort ruled out for offside.

Despite continuing to press forward Liverpool had to settle for just Ellison’s strike, but are happy to have hit back following last week’s loss.

Liverpool will aim to build on the win over Crewe when they travel to face Wolverhampton Wanderers this Saturday (kick-off 11.30am).

They are now up to fifth in the Group C table and are eight points off leaders Blackburn Rovers and just three behind second-placed Manchester United.

Injury Problems Mount For Troubled Boss Benitez

Rafael Benitez will be a relieved man that the international break has finally arrived, hopeful that some of his injured players will return to fitness ahead of a crucial clash against Manchester City at Anfield on November 21.

Liverpool suffered more injury woe in the disappointing 2-2 draw at home to Birmingham City on Monday, with Albert Riera and Yossi Benayoun both forced off.

Riera has suffered a stop-start season for the Reds, with his appearance against Blues being his first in a Liverpool shirt for over a month with a hamstring injury. The Spain international suffered a recurrance of the problem when stretching for a ball in the box and faces weeks on the sidelines.

More troublesome to Benitez is the injury suffered to Benayoun, one of the few bright spots this season and a player who has done much to try and fill the void left by Steven Gerrard. Benayoun also injured his hamstring late in the game and must be extremely doubtful to face City.

Fernando Torres, who declared himself unfit to face Birmingham, is also rated no better than doubtful to make a game which, if Liverpool were to lose, could have long-term implications on their ability to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Gerrard, although looking well short of match fitness, made a huge difference after being introduced for Riera just before half-time and, after a further two weeks of training and treatment, he should improve for the City game.

And Denmark defender Daniel Agger has withdrawn from November friendlies against South Korea and the United States with a back injury.

Liverpool face a hugely testing week once the international break is over.

Three days after facing City, Liverpool must travel to Hungary to play Debrecen in a must-win Champions League game which would be rendered meaningless by a Fiorentina win over Lyon in the other group game that night. Then, the following Sunday, comes the Merseyside derby at Everton's Goodison Park home.

Benitez hopes the international break has come at the right time, but is taking nothing for granted. He told the club's official website: "I will tell you after the break because every time we lose one or two players. I'm touching wood.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez Rules Out Fernando Torres Operation

Rafael Benitez is unsure when Liverpool striker Fernando Torres will recover from his problematic groin injury but has said the Spaniard does not need surgery.

Torres missed Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Birmingham last night with Benitez confirming afterwards that he remains a doubt for their next game against Manchester City on Nov 21.

"Torres had no confidence and said he couldn't play (against Birmingham), so we started the treatment yesterday," Benitez said.

"He has to work with the physios and try to improve and be ready. We are not talking about an operation at this moment.

"I don't know if he will be ready for Man City."

David Ngog And Liverpool Caught In ‘Cheat’ Row

Birmingham City left Anfield seething with injustice last night after being denied victory over Liverpool because of a controversial penalty won by David Ngog, who they accused of “an embarrassing case of cheating”.

Liverpool were trailing when Ngog went down in the penalty area under a challenge by Lee Carsley. It appeared that no contact had been made but Peter Walton, the referee, awarded a penalty. Steven Gerrard scored from the spot to secure a 2-2 draw, to the outrage of Carsley and Alex McLeish, the Birmingham manager.

“I was absolutely nowhere near him,” an enraged Carsley said. “It’s a joke. I knew I didn’t touch him and I said to the referee to book me or send me off, it would have made me feel better. I’m sure he [Ngog] has got a family, well if I went home having done that, I’d be embarrassed. You’re supposed to be teaching your kids an example and that is just an embarrassing case of cheating.

“But the lad’s taken a chance and got his team a point so I’m sure they’ll be patting him on the back.”

Even Rafael Benítez did not attempt to protect his player after Ngog admitted that it probably was not a penalty. But the Liverpool manager claimed that the result was a fair one even if the manner in which it was earned was not.

“It was a pity to score from a penalty that maybe wasn’t a penalty but we deserved to score more goals in the second half,” Benítez said. “It could be a dive, but it wasn’t a penalty. But we have had a lot of situations this year that have gone against us, and this was one for us from a game where we deserved more. It’s important to be honest about these things.

“If it’s clear, then it is clear. Sometimes you have to accept it. We were attacking and attacking and deserved to win, but maybe it wasn’t a penalty. I haven’t seen the replay. I asked David and he said maybe it wasn’t a penalty.”

The draw leaves Liverpool with only one win from their past nine matches and 11 points behind Chelsea, the Barclays Premier League leaders. Their form will do little to relieve the pressure on Benítez.

Ngog had earlier given Liverpool the lead only for Birmingham to storm in front thanks to goals from Christian Benítez and Cameron Jerome, but the penalty incident was the big talking point long after the final whistle.

McLeish said the final scoreline left a sour taste in his mouth.

He also claimed that Walton will acknowledge that he made a mistake in awarding the controversial penalty once he has had the opportunity to watch the game again.

“It is a great point and I’d have taken that before the game but circumstances in the game change your outlook and I feel we were unlucky not to get three,” McLeish said. “It is a clear dive by Ngog and he’s won his team a penalty. It has happened for centuries and we have to take it on the chin.

“He [Peter Walton] is a top referee but he didn’t get that one right and I’m sure when he looks at it again he’ll see that Ngog dived. It was a terrific dive. Lee didn’t touch him. Lee dived in and when you dive in you are always at risk but there was no contact.

“Sometimes there is a debate over a penalty when there is contact but there was none here. It was not even close to being a penalty. We had to weather a storm, Gerrard hit a post and had a few late runs into the box but I thought my team and my defenders were awesome. It was backs to the wall but I didn’t feel we were going to lose a goal.

“Maybe I’ll look back on it tomorrow and think we’ll never have a better chance of getting three points at Anfield. The pressure Liverpool put on means they’ll claim they deserved at least a draw but you also need luck and it seems the bigger clubs get more over a season.”

Match Report: Liverpool 2 - 2 Birmingham City

Steven Gerrard's hotly-disputed second-half penalty rescued a point for Liverpool but did little to lift the pressure on boss Rafael Benitez.

It is just one win now in nine matches for the Reds and they must be grateful for the two-week international break which will allow the dust to settle on their faltering season.

It had started so well for the hosts with youngster David Ngog firing them into an early lead.

But Ecuadorian Christian Benitez's nodded equaliser and Cameron Jerome's thunderous 35-yarder had Birmingham ahead at the break.

And only a hotly-contested spot-kick - which TV replays showed should not have been awarded as Lee Carsley made no contact with Ngog with his attempted tackle - gave Liverpool their lifeline, Gerrard sliding it home.

Fernando Torres did not even get a substitutes' role, the Spain striker now clearly being given a lengthy rest to recover from his groin problem.

Gerrard, with a similar if less severe injury, was named on the bench along with Alberto Aquilani.

Glen Johnson, Albert Riera and Martin Skrtel all returned from injury, with Jamie Carragher suspended.

Birmingham had Joe Hart back in goal while they were without Barry Ferguson, also suspended, so Teemu Tainio came into the side.

Liverpool went with the 20-year-old Ngog up front and Dirk Kuyt, captain for the night, in a central supporting role.

Of all Liverpool's young imports, Ngog has looked the most likely to make the breakthrough this season, and his balance and clever control were soon in evidence.

Hart saved one Ngog effort before the France Under-21 striker gave Liverpool a 13th-minute lead. Johnson surged down the right, cutting between two defenders before crossing for Ngog who saw his first effort blocked by Hart.

The ball flew to Kuyt only for Hart to again get his legs in the way, but when the rebound dropped for Ngog he made no mistake with a fierce a close-range volley into the roof of the net.

Tainio limped of two minutes later, former Everton midfielder Carsley coming on in his place.

Liverpool had been cruising up till now, but Birmingham struck back with an impressive set-piece, and once again Liverpool's susceptibility in the air was evident.

James McFadden fired a free-kick into the area and Roger Johnson headed back across goal where Scott Dann nodded on for Benitez to head past Jose Reina from close range.

Hart touched over a Javier Mascherano drive, and Daniel Agger saw a low shot following a corner kicked off the line by Carsley as Liverpool tried to hit back.

A minute from the break Riera, who had appeared to be on a solo bid to score from outside the box at almost every opportunity, suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury, and Gerrard was brought into the fray as a substitute.

His arrival was met with huge cheers from the Kop, but the home crowd was silenced within seconds as Birmingham took the lead.

Jerome shook off the attentions of Mascherano to lash a swerving 35-yard effort into the top corner.

The confidence Liverpool had shown in the first half hour evaporated and, with the crowd's anxiety growing, errors in possession increased.

Gerrard saw a low header hit Hart's left-hand post from Johnson's cross from the right as Liverpool at last produced some sustained pressure.

McFadden was booked for a foul on Johnson, the Scot being substituted soon after to be replaced by former Red Gregory Vignal.

Liverpool were then awarded the highly-contentious 71st-minute penalty.

Ngog did well to get to the byline and went sprawling to the turf as Carsley came in with a sliding challenge, even though the Birmingham man's leg did not touch the Liverpool youngster.

Carsley and Ngog exchanged views and pushes, and referee Peter Walton booked both before Gerrard stepped up to drill home the spot kick.

Liverpool then lost Benayoun with a hamstring complaint, Ryan Babel coming on.

Gerrard fired over a cross for Ngog to hit wide at the near post before sending an 18-yarder just wide.

With nine minutes left Aquilani finally made his Anfield debut as a substitute for Lucas.

The visitors were forced to defend desperately in the final minutes but they clung on valiantly for a point.

Liverpool Confident Of Reaching Champions League Last 16

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has not given up hope of qualifying for the later stages of the Champions League this season.

Escaping the group stages is looking like an uphill struggle for the Reds after losses to both Lyon and Fiorentina, who currently occupy the top two places in the group.

But the Spaniard still believes Liverpool can seize the possibility and, even if they fail to go beyond their group, will not be affected financially.

"I spoke to Christian Purslow [Liverpool's managing director] the other day about the finances," he said, according to skysports.com.

"The first thing, though, is that we have confidence we can still reach the last 16 of the Champions League this season.

"But whatever happens, the budget was done for this season based on us only qualifying for the group stages. And we did that, which is complete.

"Whether we can still bring in more money, we will wait and see. The commercial department is working very hard, for the next season [in Europe] it is a question of time."

Benitez is also sure his team will qualify for Europe's most prestigious competition again next year, despite currently sitting a long way outside the top four.

He added: "The Premier League is a long race, we must keep going. I am confident the team will finish in the top four and we are able to continue to do well in Europe, so let's start against Birmingham [on Monday] with the right result.

"We have to do our job against Birmingham, and then I can guarantee that things will start to get easier."

Liverpool Consider Move For Unsettled Real Madrid Star Lassana Diarra

Liverpool could make a January bid to prise Lassana Diarra away from Real Madrid after being told that he is unsettled at the Spanish club, according to a report in The People.

Reds manager Rafael Benitez wants to add to his midfield options and he believes that the former Chelsea and Arsenal star could be the answer.

Since joining Madrid in January from Portsmouth, Diarra has been a revelation in La Liga and is a regular alongside Xabi Alonso in Manuel Pellegrini's team.

Despite that, the British newspaper believes that he is not happy in Spain and has told friends that he would welcome a return to English football, with Anfield providing the perfect platform.

The report suggests that Diarra would make up for the loss of Alonso in the summer and may even allow Benitez to cash in on want-away Javier Mascherano.

While the French midfielder is more defensive than creative, his attacking side has shone at Madrid. Meanwhile, his tackling and tracking back have seen him become a firm favourite at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Barcelona still want Mascherano and if they make their interest concrete then Liverpool may contact Madrid about Diarra, who has played for four clubs in four seasons.

Rafael Benítez Confident Liverpool Will Start To Climb Back Up The Table

Rafael Benítez believes that Liverpool have been the victims of bad luck this season and has spoken of his conviction that the club will have significantly improved their league position within "one or two months". The Liverpool manager, who has presided over six defeats in the last eight matches ahead of Birmingham City's visit tonight, claimed he was "100% sure" his team would start to climb the table.

"You can see the table and it is not a big, big difference," said Benítez, whose side are four points adrift of a place in the top four. "The main thing for me is we need to analyse our position and ask ourselves: How can we improve? We have to keep working and in one month or two months' time I am 100% sure that we will be higher in the table and it will be totally different."

The Liverpool manager hopes to start with Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, who have been struggling with a hernia and groin problem respectively, while Alberto Aquilani is expected to make his Anfield debut from the bench. The Italy international, who was bought as a replacement for Xabi Alonso, has overcome a virus after initially being sidelined with a knee injury. "It could be the time to let the Anfield fans see Aquilani at last," said Benítez.

Liverpool are desperate for three points, although Benítez feels that some good fortune is also long overdue. Asked whether he felt Liverpool had been unlucky this season, he replied: "Yes, in some games. It's very clear. Against Tottenham and Aston Villa we scored and after we conceded one minute later. Too many things have happened like the beach ball, or the late goals we have conceded against Lyon. But hopefully that will change for the rest of the season."

Torres has the better chance of being involved against the Midlanders. Gerrard has barely trained for a fortnight, but Benítez was pleased with his involvement in a training session yesterday. Fábio Aurélio, Martin Skrtel and Albert Riera are also likely to return from injuries. Glen Johnson has also improved his after training this weekend, but he and Martin Kelly are still struggling.

Benítez at least needs Torres on the pitch for a game Liverpool must win. "We hope to be able to keep going with Fernando. Maybe he can be available for Birmingham, we will see how it goes. It was a risk to play him against Manchester United, but he scored a fantastic goal and everyone was saying what a massive difference he makes.

"He played, and scored, at Fulham and I was criticised by a lot of 'experts' because he was taken off in the second half. They can see that he has a problem, but the same thing happened in Lyon when I took him off.

"Fernando will play if he continues to have less pain than before. Does he need an operation? Nobody really knows, we'll wait and see. I have had many players with this problem over the years. They carried on, and sometimes you can play for the whole season with such a problem.

"But I have been surprised at what some critics have said about Torres' involvement. People who have played football for years seem not to understand that the manager has more information."

Torres Closing In On Legendary Status

Fernando Torres could take another step towards securing his credentials as one of Liverpool’s greatest ever scorers by notching the two Premier League goals which would take him to a half-century for the Anfield outfit.

If the Spaniard manages the total in the coming matches he’ll have reached the target faster than any player in the Merseyside club’s history; a feat which manager Rafael Benitez believes would put him on the path to legendary status.

Liverpool host Birmingham City this evening with Benitez talking up his prized asset to the club’s official website:

"I think it shows the quality of Fernando," Benitez stressed.

"He has been doing well and it also shows the team has been doing well.

"The list of players shows some big names, legends, and if Fernando can do it he will be a legend too."

Fabio Capello Leaves Out Steven Gerrard For England's Long-Term Health

There is proof at last that Fabio Capello is capable of compromise. The England manager has listened to Liverpool's plea that Steven Gerrard should not be involved in Saturday's friendly with Brazil in Doha. There is a chance, however, that the midfielder will play a part in his club's game against Birmingham City despite his recent adductor muscle injury.

These are circumstances in which Capello could have earned easy applause by frogmarching him to the departures lounge and on to the flight for Qatar. It has, after all, been his mission to demonstrate that international games, including friendlies, count for at least as much as club fixtures. In addition, he would have wanted Gerrard for a game against a country ranked first in the world.

It has been made clear that there has not been any sort of deal, because Capello will be uneasy about Premier League managers seeking a "Gerrard dispensation", particularly since Chelsea's Ashley Cole and Portsmouth's David James have both been omitted due to fitness concerns.

There may be some self-interest in Capello's actions. He will see that it is to his own long-term advantage that the Liverpool midfielder should be restored to health. Even his club may not call on Gerrard from the start against Birmingham despite the fact that Rafael Benítez has to revive his faltering side.

Capello's sidelining of footballers, however, is not necessarily founded on compassion. Once again Michael Owen has been overlooked, putting his World Cup hopes in terminal condition. The manager recently called the Manchester United forward his "tormentor" because of the endless public discussion of the striker's involvement or lack of it.

The Italian's beef is not so much with Owen as with those who do not see the logic of his stance. Capello demands evidence before he will enlist anyone and, despite the injury that ruled out Dimitar Berbatov, United still did not have any use for the striker until they had fallen behind to Chelsea yesterday. He was brought on with seven minutes remaining.

Given Capello's general policy, there was inevitability about the call-up for Darren Bent, who missed a penalty against his former club Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday but has scored eight goals for Sunderland this season. Forwards do remain an issue for Capello and that is underlined now that the injured Emile Heskey will not be on the scene to enjoy the so far fruitful partnership with Wayne Roney in Doha.

With the stature of Brazil in mind, Capello has not been too experimental in his selections. Stephen Warnock, however, is included in the absence of Cole. There is also a berth for Tom Huddlestone, who scored spectacularly for Tottenham before the watching manager on Saturday. David Beckham is included and could win his 116th cap, although the midfielder will be pulled out of the squad should LA Galaxy qualify for the MLS Conference final.

Liverpool Beat Tottenham To Lift First Trophy Of The Season

Liverpool FC secured its first trophy of the season in Spain at the weekend, but it was on the track rather than on the pitch.

A motorsport team backed and financed by the English soccer club won the 2009 Superleague Formula title, seeing off the challenge of Tottenham Hotspur. Liverpool's driver, Adrian Valles, secured a fourth-place finish in the final race, won by Anderlecht, to take the series.

Superleague Formula features motorsport teams backed by professional soccer clubs. Going into the final race of the six-race season - which has already announced that it will have an extra four races in 2010 - the championship statistically remained a four-horse race with Olympiacos and FC Basel 91 trailing Liverpool and Tottenham.

"It's fantastic to have won the championship and I'd like to thank the whole team for the great job they've done this season," said Valles. "We have been competitive at every round, yet we’ve never had any problems with reliability. To win the Superleague Formula title is a great honour for a driver because the level of competition is so high and the cars are all the same.

"I'm also really pleased for Liverpool. I met all the players and staff last week and they wished me good luck so I am so happy to have clinched this title for them. They've won a lot of trophies in their history so it is nice to have added another one to that list."

Craig Dolby, driving for Tottenham, added: "I'm obviously very disappointed not to win the championship, but I pushed as hard as I could and had a lot of fun. We've had some bad luck here and there without which things could have been different, but overall it has been a great year."

Benayoun Asked To Excel

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has challenged Yossi Benayoun to fill the probable void left by the ongoing injury problems of Steven Gerrard.

The Reds are again expected to be without captain Gerrard for Monday's match with Birmingham at Anfield as the England ace continues to struggle with the groin problem sustained against Ukraine in October.

Benitez is therefore expected to ask Benayoun to operate in the playmaking role against Alex McLeish's Blues as Liverpool attempt to end a run of one win in eight games in all competitions.

Benitez has suffered the wrath of some fans for substituting the former West Ham man in recent weeks, with the Israel captain having transformed his reputation since a questioned £5million arrival on Merseyside in 2007.

But he is now calling for Benayoun, who has arguably been the Reds' best player this season, to continue a run of consistent form, saying in the Liverpool Echo: "Yossi is a key player for us.

"There was a time before when people had some doubts about him but we knew he always had quality.

"We knew he could have an influence and change a game. He is intelligent and players don't know what he is going to do the next time he gets the ball.

"That's a big difference and when you don't have Steven on the pitch, it's important we have Yossi and we hope he will keep doing that in this game."

Match Preview: Liverpool vs. Birming City

It's a sad and sorry looking Liverpool side that play host to Birmingham City on Monday night as round 12 of the Premier League draws to a close.

The Reds' 3-1 reverse at Fulham last weekend took their tally to five losses in 11 league games this season - an alarming figure, considering that they suffered just two defeats in the entirety of the previous campaign.

And their woes aren't confined to the domestic scene, as Lisandro Lopez's late equaliser for Olympique Lyonnais on Wednesday night has left the Merseyside club relying on Fiorentina's results as the two teams battle for a place in the Champions League knockout round.

Rafael Benitez and his crew have collected just one win - against Manchester United, no less - from their last eight games in all competitions, and they simply cannot afford another slip-up when Brum come to visit.

Alex McLeish's side boast an indifferent record on the road this season, although their spirited display at home to a Shay Given-inspired Manchester City last week showed that they are well capable of mixing it with the big boys.

Still, the Blues sit just one point above the relegation zone, and the one thing Liverpool have got right this season is dispatching the 'lesser' teams when they visit Anfield - as Stoke City (4-0), Burnley (4-0) and Hull City (6-1) all found out the hard way.


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Nov 4 Olympique Lyonnais 1-1 Liverpool (Champions League)
Oct 31 Fulham 3-1 Liverpool
Oct 28 Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool (League Cup)
Oct 25 Liverpool 2-0 Manchester United
Oct 20 Liverpool 1-2 Olympique Lyonnais (Champions League)

Birmingham City

Nov 1 Birmingham City 0-0 Manchester City
Oct 24 Birmingham City 2-1 Sunderland
Oct 17 Arsenal 3-1 Birmingham City
Oct 3 Burnley 2-1 Birmingham City
Sep 26 Birmingham City 1-2 Bolton Wanderers


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Jamie Carragher and Philipp Degen are both suspended after picking up red cards in the defeat at Craven Cottage last weekend, leaving Benitez with something of a problem in defence. With Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly both battling injury, young Stephen Darby looks like the only option at right-back.

However, Martin Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio are available once more after shaking off their respective problems, while Alberto Aquilani could make his long-awaited Premier League debut from the bench.

Fernando Torres is expected to start despite his well-documented hernia troubles, but neither Steven Gerrard nor Albert Riera will feature.

Last starting XI (vs. Olympique Lyonnais): Reina, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Agger, Insua, Kuyt, Lucas, Mascherano, Benayoun, Voronin, Torres.

Birmingham City

The visitors' chances will be hampered by the absence of Barry Ferguson, who foolishly bought a second booking late on against Man City for impeding a throw-in. Lee Carsley could replace the Scot in midfield.

Irish wide-man Keith Fahey picked up a knee knock in training and faces a race to pass fit in time, while Garry O'Connor is struggling with a groin problem.

Joe Hart wasn't eligible to face his parent club last time out, but the young goalkeeper is in danger of sitting out once again after Maik Taylor's heroics against the Citizens.

Last starting XI (vs. Manchester City): Taylor, Carr, Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell, Larsson, Bowyer, Ferguson, McFadden, Benitez, Jerome.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool - Fernando Torres

The Spaniard is nowhere near full fitness but has vowed to play through the pain for the time being. Hernia or no, 'El Nino' is a threat - it's that simple. It's just a matter of whether or not he gets the service.

Birmingham City - James McFadden

The twinkle-toed Scot ran riot in spells against Man City (brilliantly saved penalty aside), pulling out the sort of mercurial moves that leaves one wondering why he's never managed to take that next step in his career. If he gets it right, the Reds' rearguard will be in for a busy night.

Injury Crisis At Liverpool Is Lifting - Rafael Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes that the injury plague that has struck his squad is finally beginning to show signs of abatement.

Fabio Aurelio, Albert Riera and Martin Skrtel have returned to training, as has Steven Gerrard after being unable to train for a fortnight owing to his groin injury.

Benitez also explained the situation with Fernando Torres, who has been playing despite reports that he may require surgery to cure a hernia problem.

"The injury situation is improving," he is quoted by FIFA.com as saying.

"Several players have been in light training. But there is a big difference, though, between being fit and being available.

"Gerrard has trained after being unable to do so for 15 days. He cannot be considered to be fit.

"Torres is a little better. He will train and work with the physios, but whether he will be okay to play against Birmingham [City, on Monday], we do not know yet.

"He could play and we must be careful with him.

"We will look at the situation after every training session. The experience I have had for many years with this sort of problem is to carry on and see how players react. Some can play all season with the problem, some need to stop and rest. They are all different."

The former Valencia coach explained that Torres had put aside his own discomfort to continue leading the line for the Reds, whose lack of attacking alternatives has been cruelly exposed this term.

"Torres is the one who can play," he said.

"He has been in pain, but he wants to play for the team - he has a great mentality. I believe we can carry on with him.

"Let us see how we do in the next game, then they will have 15 days of the international break to get fit, then let's see how they are after that."

Aquilani Set For Anfield

Rafa Benitez says Alberto Aquilani will finally get his Anfield debut against Birmingham on Monday.

The Italy international was signed for £20 million man in August but has since been recovering from a knee operation and latterly a recent virus problem.

But the 25-year-old - who played for a few minutes in the Carling Cup defeat at Arsenal - now looks set to be thrown on from the bench against the Blues.

Benitez said: "It could be the time to let the Anfield fans see Aquilani at last.

"He has been getting fitter and had a short spell in a reserve game and then a few minutes at Arsenal in the Carling Cup.

"We had him with us in Lyon last week and I did want to bring him on. But Lucas and Javier Mascherano were controlling the game.

"So we waited a bit, we did not want to change the way the side were playing, even though he could have come on. Then we scored and there was no need to use him, it was just a shame we conceded so late.

"He was almost over the virus and he will certainly be much better on Monday.

"He has trained well. He does not have match fitness, but the only way to improve that is to play him in games.

"We have more players available now, so maybe he can be on the bench and then come on to change the game if necessary. He will certainly be involved."

Fernando Torres also looks set to play against the Midlanders despite struggles with a groin problem.

Benitez added: "We hope to be able to keep going with Fernando. Maybe he can be available for Birmingham, we will see how it goes.

"It was a risk to play him against Manchester United, but he scored a fantastic goal and everyone was saying what a massive difference he makes.

"He played, and scored, at Fulham and I was criticised by a lot of 'experts' because he was taken off in the second half.

"They can see that he has a problem, but the same thing happened in Lyon when I took him off.

"You cannot win. It does not matter what you do, someone will always criticise you. It is too easy.

"Fernando will play if he continues to have less pain than before. Does he need an operation? Nobody really knows, we'll wait and see.

"I have had many players with this problem under my management over the years. They carried on, and sometimes you can play for the whole season with such a problem.

"But I have been surprised at what some critics have said about Torres' involvement. People who have played football for years seem not to understand that the manager has more information.

"So when they are on TV, they just talk and they do not really know the situation."

Rafa Benitez In Talks With Bosses Over Liverpool FC's Champions League Situation

Rafael Benitez has held talks with his Liverpool bosses over the implications if the club fail to reach the last 16 of this season’s Champions League.

Discussions were also held on if the club fail to qualify for next season’s lucrative European competition.

The Liverpool manager revealed today that the club did not budget this term for anything beyond the group stages.

And Benitez insisted he was confident that financial problems next season will be avoided “because we will achieve a top four finish”.

Liverpool have never failed to reach the last 16 under Benitez’s management, but they are in grave danger of that eventuality now with qualification from Group E out of their hands after the midweek draw in Lyon.

They must hope that Lyon win their next match away to Fiorentina, and that Liverpool win their final two group games to produce the “miracle” Benitez admits they need now.

Reaching the Champions League next season is also under threat with them currently sixth in the Barclays Premier League, a point behind fourth-placed Manchester City, who are at Anfield on November 21.

Before that Liverpool face Birmingham at Anfield on Monday, needing to get their current form back on track.

Liverpool face earning £10million less from their European campaign this season if they do not reach the last 16, with another £10million lost if they do not qualify for next season’s group stages.

Benitez says: “I spoke to Christian Purslow (Liverpool’s managing director) the other day about the finances.

“The first thing, though, is that we have confidence we can still reach the last 16 of the Champions League this season.

“But whatever happens, the budget was done for this season based on us only qualifying for the group stages. And we did that, that is complete.

“Whether we can still bring in more money, we will wait and see. The commercial department is working very hard, for the next season (in Europe) it is a question of time.

“The Premier League is a long race, we must keep going. I am confident the team will finish in the top four and we are able to continue to do well in Europe, so let’s start against Birmingham with the right result.

“We have to do our job against Birmingham, and then I can guarantee that things will start to get easier.”

Improving their league position would be easier if Benitez could get Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard fit following groin problems.

Gerrard seems unlikely to be available for the Birmingham game, while Torres has a much better chance.

Benitez is likely to risk Torres again, following the striker’s trip to visit a Spanish specialist on Thursday who is believed to have suggested a three-week break for the club’s top scorer.

Benitez also hopes that neither Spain or England will select Torres and Gerrard for international friendlies next weekend.

He wants the pair to have intensive treatment throughout the two week international break ahead of Manchester City’s visit to Anfield.

Benitez has held discussions with Spanish FA officials and believes he has a gentleman’s agreement that Torres will not be called up for Spain’s home friendly with Argentina next Saturday.

Benitez has not held similar conversations with England over Gerrard’s fitness.

England play Brazil in Doha next weekend, and Benitez would be furious if Gerrard was selected.