Mar 12

Squad sheets: Liverpool v Portsmouth

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

Premier LeagueLiverpoolPortsmouthguardian.co.uk

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Mar 09

Rafael Benítez: Liverpool ‘played without intelligence’

• Liverpool manager could not hide disappointment after 1-0 loss
• ‘We have to keep going for fourth place,’ said Benítez

Rafael Benítez cut a dejected figure as Liverpool’s Champions League ambitions suffered a serious setback with a 1-0 defeat at Wigan Athletic last night, though he mustered enough venom to condemn his players for the attitude and lack of character they displayed at the DW Stadium. “We didn’t show the right attitude and even though we worked harder in the second half, we played without game intelligence,” complained the Liverpool manager.

Wigan’s first ever league win over Liverpool has left the Anfield club in a precarious position. Hugo Rodallega’s first-half goal gave Roberto Martínez’s side a major fillip in their bid to avoid relegation, but Wigan’s emotions were in stark contrast to Benítez.

The Liverpool manager added: “We didn’t do anything in the first half. The attitude was much better in the second half but it wasn’t enough. It is difficult to explain because we prepared for the game properly. We knew Wigan would play in this way but there were too many things from us that I cannot understand.”

Liverpool had five players booked on the night and Steven Gerrard was pictured raising two fingers after he was shown a yellow card for a foul on the impressive 19-year-old, James McCarthy. Liverpool later denied the gesture was intended to be offensive or was directed at the match referee, Andre Marriner.

“We have to keep going for fourth place,” added Benítez, who had described this fixture as a must-win before kick-off. “That is all we can do. You can have good and bad times but we had to do better tonight on what was a crucial moment.”

LiverpoolRafael BenítezWigan AthleticPremier LeagueAndy Hunterguardian.co.uk

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Mar 07

Jamie Carragher would have no difficulty leaving Liverpool

• Carragher’s contract expires at end of the season
• Defender says he is not afraid of bold decisions

Jamie Carragher says he will have no difficulty leaving Liverpool if the club where he has spent his whole career chooses not to extend his contract, which expires at the end of next season.

“The club will give me a new contract if they want to,” he told the Sunday Times. “If not, it doesn’t matter, I’ll still play my best and if I have to move then I’ll move, no problem. It wouldn’t bother me.”

The 32-year-old defender would like to stay at Anfield but said his decision to retire from England duty in 2007 showed he was not afraid of bold decisions.

“I made the England decision quickly and didn’t dwell on it and I’m not scared of making big decisions. It’s a club thing. It’s down to them. I’ll keep playing and see where it takes me.”

Liverpool’s manager, Rafael Benítez, said there are no talks planned with the defender. “We’re happy to wait,” the Spaniard said. “When you talk about players over 30 it’s not the same as those who are 25 or goalkeepers, who will have a long-term contract. With Carra, we will wait and see.”

LiverpoolPremier Leagueguardian.co.uk

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