League is priority, says Carragher

Jamie Carragher has illustrated the significance of today's lunchtime encounter with Blackburn to Liverpool's pursuit of Manchester United, making the bold declaration that it is the most important league game of his 13-year career at Anfield. "I'm not just saying that because of what happened against Chelsea, but the league has always been the priority of everyone at this club," said Carragher, ahead of a game for which Rafael Benitez will delay a decision on Steven Gerrard until the last minute.

"In the 13 years I have been involved in the first team, this will be the biggest league game I have been involved in, it really is that important. If we win we can go top of the league with just six games to go, and if anyone had told us at the beginning of the season we would be in this position now, we would have been delighted." Rovers have whipped up some vitriol, midfielder David Dunn saying he wants Benitez to be "having a moan at us on Sunday" after a performance that is certain to physical.

"I don't think we give a toss what people think of us at the minute. It is whatever gets us results," Dunn said. Despite Rovers' physical threat, Gerrard's health is a more pressing concern. Liverpool were aware of his worsening groin problem before last weekend's win at Fulham and it seems he will have to be nursed through the final weeks of the season. Benitez admits the injury will not stand two games in four days and Blackburn appears to be a priority over Tuesday's Champions League tie against Chelsea.

*Manchester City, at home to Fulham tomorrow, are assessing the injury damage done by Uefa Cup defeat in Hamburg, with signs not looking good that Craig Bellamy, who has a knee injury, will play again this season.