Rafael Benítez says Tottenham game is must-win for Liverpool

Posted Wednesday, January 20, 2010 by theguardian.com

Rafael Benítez says Tottenham game is must-win for Liverpool
The Liverpool manager, Rafael Benítez, is uncertain whether to play his new signing Maxi Rodríguez from the start tonight.

Rafael Benítez has described tonight's match against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield as crucial if Liverpool are to take the fourth Champions League spot, which Harry Redknapp's side currently occupy four points ahead of them.

Last month Benítez "guaranteed" Liverpool's fans that his side would finish fourth at the end of the season and yesterday he said it would be a "make or break" game this evening.

He added: "There's a big difference between being one point behind and seven points behind. It's an important game for us. If Tottenham win, it will give them a buzz and a lift and they will have confidence but, if we can beat them, then we'll be in a good position. And when a team is fighting from behind it gives you more confidence."

In previous seasons Liverpool would have been too far behind at this stage for a top-four finish after losing seven Premier League matches. However, their ambitions have been kept alive by the indifferent form of the teams around them and even at the top.

Manchester United have already lost more matches (five) this term than they did all last season and Chelsea have also racked up three defeats compared with five last time and Arsenal four compared with six in 2008-09.

As a result of that Benítez said Liverpool still have something to play for but beating Spurs was imperative. "I think it is a different league this year," he added. "Every team is losing games and dropping points. So it is very important for us to improve right now. We are so close that, if we beat Tottenham, we will go to just one point behind them and we will be in the middle of the race. It's true that we were not doing well but I think that we will be in the race until the end."

Daniel Agger is Liverpool's biggest doubt after missing the weekend's 1-1 draw with Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium with a groin problem and Benítez is still undecided over whether to give Maxi Rodríguez, the £1.5m signing from Atlético Madrid, his debut as he is concerned about his match fitness.