We must keep pushing, urges Benitez

Rafael Benitez has urged his Liverpool players not to lose their belief ahead of another vital Premier League match away to West Ham United today. Victory for the Reds will put them back on top of the table on goal difference, at least for 24 hours until leaders Manchester United face Manchester City at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Benitez, who will be without ankle-injury victim Xabi Alonso, said: "Every single week it has been an opportunity for us, to get three points and to put pressure on Manchester United. We must keep winning, keep pushing and see what happens. It could be difficult for them against Manchester City, but United are a very good team with equally good players.

"It is up to us to win our games and be waiting. Maybe, hopefully, City can do us a favour. But there is nothing we can do about that match, only ours.

"I am not even sure whether I will be watching the game, there's nothing I can contribute so it may be better to just enjoy the day with my family. We have done well, we have been able to win a lot of games right at the end which shows our fitness. We have gained a lot of experience and the spirit has been fantastic among the players. We will push right until the end. Even that will be of use to us in the future, but we still must believe we can do something this season, not wait for next."

Benitez will have Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano fit to play. The Spaniard said: "We have always talked about a twist in the end, prehaps United will have problems... We have always known that this season was crucial to our development, but also that we must continue to have a positive approach to everything."