SOCCER/Uefa Champions League: Rafael Benitez is prepared to forgo the chance to inflict psychological damage on Chelsea tonight, as well as revenge for their league humbling at Anfield, by resting key players with Saturday's Premiership visit of Middlesbrough in mind.
The Spaniard has left his compatriot, Xabi Alonso, on Merseyside, and may opt against selecting Jose Reina, both one booking away from a European suspension.
Peter Crouch could also make way at Stamford Bridge, with Benitez's priority to beat Boro and depart for the World Club Championship in Japan on Sunday with league form maintained.
"I do not believe that the Chelsea game will be that important in terms of the rest of the season," said Benitez, whose side secured qualification for the knock-out phase with their goalless draw against Real Betis and lead Chelsea by a point.
"What would you prefer as a manager? To beat Chelsea and lose to Middlesbrough, or the other way around?
"Middlesbrough is more important to me. To go to Japan with three more points will be great for everybody's confidence.
"It would also be good to finish top of the group, but the priority is to have all the players for Middlesbrough and the Toyota Cup. In the Champions League, we can wait a month before recuperating any confidence we might lose."
Liverpool's 4-1 defeat by Chelsea in October was their heaviest at Anfield for 36 years, but they have since gone 744 minutes in all competitions without conceding a goal.
They have managed 11 clean sheets in 14 Premiership games this term, which Benitez attributes to better understanding between his players and Jamie Carragher's increasing influence.
"Carra was the best defender in England last season and this season is at the same level," added Benitez.
"Mourinho can talk about John Terry, but for me Carra was fantastic. He gives us security, aggression, character and, when you see a player working as hard as he does, he sets an example. He is still growing as a player. He is like a sponge, taking new information in."
Benitez's counterpart, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, is also playing down the significance of tonight's encounter, claiming to be more concerned with next Saturday's clash against Wigan Athletic.
Mourinho said he and the Chelsea players would not be driven by an overwhelming desire to beat the side that knocked them out of the competition in the semi-finals last season.
"We are not thinking about revenge. Maybe they are because we beat them 4-1," a relaxed-looking Mourinho said yesterday.
"I would prefer to beat Wigan than Liverpool, because Wigan is three more points in the Premier League. To be first or second (in Group G) has no consequence. You never know who you will meet, Juventus or Bayern Munich. I can't see a big difference."
Liverpool will rebuff renewed attempts by Marseille to sign France striker Djibril Cisse on loan.
CHELSEA (4-3-3): Cech; Ferreira, Carvalho, Terry, Del Horno; Gudjohnsen, Lampard, Essien; Robben, Drogba, Duff. Subs: Huth, Wright-Phillips, Cudicini, Geremi, C Cole, Gallas, Diarra.
LIVERPOOL (4-4-1-1): Carson; Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore; Gerrard, Sissoko, Hamman, Riise; Kewell; Cisse. Subs: Crouch, Morientes, Garcia, Warnock, Finnan, Alonso, Reina.
Group G
