Only a win will do for Reds in title chase
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AFP
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Nisan 21, 2009 00:00
LİVERPOOL - Liverpool heads into its vital Premier League clash with Arsenal well-rested but knowing that only a victory will do tonight as it looks to maintain the pressure on Manchester United.
The build-up to the game will once again be dominated by the continued bickering between Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and United's Sir Alex Ferguson.
Their row, which first became public when Benitez publicly criticized his counterpart back in January, escalated once again last week with Ferguson branding the Liverpool manager "arrogant". But the sparring will be given a new context by the midweek matches that could see the title race take another twist.
Liverpool hosts Arsene Wenger's side with the opportunity to move two points above the leader, who will still has two games in hand.
Ferguson's team will then go into tomorrow evening's match with Portsmouth at Old Trafford with its title credentials once again under scrutiny.
If Liverpool loses, United has the chance to move four points clear and will still have a game in hand. With Liverpool having just six matches left, Benitez accepts his team can simply not afford any more slip-ups.
Gerrard out
He will once again be without Steven Gerrard, who is still struggling with a groin problem. Although that absence will be a blow, Benitez is pleased that squad players are hitting form at the right time to boost the Reds' run-in.
Benitez said: "Emiliano Insua is improving and the competition for the left back position is very high with Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena. Insua is doing well and the team is doing well."
Arsenal is still getting over the 2-1 FA Cup semifinal defeat to Chelsea Saturday. But Theo Walcott is relieved to be heading to Anfield.
"Everyone is down, but we have to forget about this, because we have got a very big game against Liverpool," said the winger.
Their row, which first became public when Benitez publicly criticized his counterpart back in January, escalated once again last week with Ferguson branding the Liverpool manager "arrogant". But the sparring will be given a new context by the midweek matches that could see the title race take another twist.
Liverpool hosts Arsene Wenger's side with the opportunity to move two points above the leader, who will still has two games in hand.
Ferguson's team will then go into tomorrow evening's match with Portsmouth at Old Trafford with its title credentials once again under scrutiny.
If Liverpool loses, United has the chance to move four points clear and will still have a game in hand. With Liverpool having just six matches left, Benitez accepts his team can simply not afford any more slip-ups.
Gerrard out
He will once again be without Steven Gerrard, who is still struggling with a groin problem. Although that absence will be a blow, Benitez is pleased that squad players are hitting form at the right time to boost the Reds' run-in.
Benitez said: "Emiliano Insua is improving and the competition for the left back position is very high with Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena. Insua is doing well and the team is doing well."
Arsenal is still getting over the 2-1 FA Cup semifinal defeat to Chelsea Saturday. But Theo Walcott is relieved to be heading to Anfield.
"Everyone is down, but we have to forget about this, because we have got a very big game against Liverpool," said the winger.