Liverpool are top of the tree going into the panto
season. But the Ugly Sisters of Chelsea and Manchester United are
right behind you, Rafa.
If he blows it, the Kop coach will turn into a pumpkin.
Benitez will have to hope his players are first to the ball. And
the Anfield chief is urging his second string to make his dream
come true by becoming Anfield heroes — just as Vladimir Smicer
did.
Benitez’s policy of ditching last term’s much-discussed
rotation policy has seen the likes of Ryan Babel, Yossi Benayoun,
Sami Hyypia and Lucas kicking their heels on the bench for long
periods.
Babel was even chasing a loan move to Ajax just to get
regular action, while Benayoun has admitted he will consider his
future if the openings do not appear over the rest of the
season.
On Tuesday Brazilian midfielder Lucas stepped up to the
plate when he made the most of a rare start with a starring role in
their Euro win over PSV. Now Benitez will tell the rest they should
use Smicer’s experience as the example of how big a role they can
still play.
Three years ago the Czech midfielder was in the same
boat as just two of his 16 appearances were from the start. Yet he
still came off the bench to net a goal in the stunning Champions
League triumph over AC Milan.
Meanwhile, Alan Hansen believes Liverpool will overcome
their Anfield jitters and show they are serious contenders to win
the league with a victory over Hull. Liverpool struggled to find
their best form in their last two home games against Fulham and
West Ham and could only manage two goalless draws.
Benitez’s team have been accused of not having enough
firepower in the team to challenge for the title when Torres is
missing from the side. But despite Hull’s amazing form in the top
flight this season, the former Kop skipper feels Liverpool will
return to winning ways at Anfield and silence all their
critics.
Hansen, a pundit for the New Football Pools, said:
“Rafa’s team need the points as they’ve drawn their last two at
home but Phil Brown’s side have shown they are no mugs at this
level.
“To make the step up to the Premier League and only
lose once away from home is an incredible feat. “After all, only
unbeaten Chelsea have lost fewer on the road.
“However, I have a feeling Liverpool will have just a
bit too much on the day and with Hull showing they will attack
anyone, they may leave gaps to exploit that both West Ham and
Fulham didn’t in the last few games at Anfield.”
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