Watch Liverpool

Having played more games than all their rivals, Liverpool desperately need a win if they are to maintain their challenge for the fourth Champions League place. With a trip to Manchester United to come next week, anything less than three points could be disastrous for Rafael Benítez. Portsmouth, who took a horrendous mauling themselves at Old Trafford the last time they visited a big-four club, do not appear likely candidates for causing an upset but their stirring form in the FA Cup belies their lowly league position. Richard Flower

Venue Anfield, Monday 8pm

Tickets £35-37 (0844 844 0844)

Last season Liverpool 1 Portsmouth 0

Referee S Attwell

This season’s matches 12 Y48, R1, 4.08 cards per game

Odds Liverpool 1-4 Portsmouth 14-1 Draw 5-1

Liverpool

Subs from Cavalieri, Aquilani, Benayoun, Kyrgiakos, Rodríguez, Babel, Ngog, Spearing, Degen, El Zhar, Darby, Kelly, Ayala, Pacheco

Doubtful Benayoun (ankle)

Injured Aurélio (thigh, 18 Mar), Skrtel (ankle, Apr)

Suspended None

Form guide LWDLWW

Disciplinary record Y49 R5

Leading scorer Torres 13

Portsmouth

Subs from Ashdown, Mullins, Webber, Vanden Borre, Owusu-Abeyie, Utaka, Smith, Basinas, Diop, Kanu, Ritchie, Wilson

Doubtful Mokoena (knee), Smith (groin), Utaka (groin), Vanden Borre (hamstring)

Injured Boateng (ankle, May), Yebda (knee, May)

Suspended None

Form guide LWLDLL

Disciplinary record Y60 R4

Leading scorers Dindane, Piquionne 5

Match pointers

• Avram Grant has faced Liverpool five times as a manager and has yet to lose a match

• Only three teams have finished in the top four after losing nine or more of their first 29 games (Chelsea in 1997-98, Leeds in 2000-01 and Arsenal in 2005-06)

• Portsmouth last won consecutive away games in December 2007 and have managed seven wins in 43 trips since then

• Liverpool have not lost at home to Portsmouth in any competition since August 1951, a run of 14 matches without a defeat

• Portsmouth have not kept a clean sheet away from home in the Premier League for nine matches

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