Rafa not concerned by odds

Benitez expects tight title race

Last updated: 31st October 2008

Rafa not concerned by odds

Benitez: Staying focused

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Rafa Benitez has insisted he has no problem with Liverpool being third favourites for the Premier League title.

The Reds are unbeaten in their opening ten games of the season and have already beaten Manchester United and Chelsea.

They are three points clear at the top of the table and Benitez is confident that his side can continue to go from strength to strength.

Chelsea and United nevertheless remain ahead of Liverpool with the bookmakers, but Benitez is refusing to focus on such matters.

The Spanish coach expects a close title race with Arsenal also in contention and Aston Villa keeping pressure on the 'big four'.

"I don't care about this," he said on Sky Sports News. "I just concentrate on our football and try to be there as much as we can.

"You can see that Chelsea are very, very strong, United and Arsenal as well.

"Aston Villa are pushing, so we have some strong teams and it will be the same until the end of the season."

Keane and Torres

Liverpool face bottom club Tottenham on Saturday and Benitez has confirmed that Robbie Keane is fit to face his former club.

Benitez believes the Irishman, who only made a late appearance as a substitute in the midweek win over Portsmouth following a groin problem, will be given a good reception upon his return to White Hart Lane.

"He is available so it will be my decision," said Benitez. "He wants to play every game.

"He was a key player for them for many years. He was a fantastic professional and always gave 100 per cent so I think the fans will appreciate this."

Benitez has yet to decide whether to include Fernando Torres in his plans for the weekend as the striker continues his recovery from a hamstring problem that has kept him out of Liverpool's last four games.

Asked if Torres was fit, Benitez replied: "Nearly. We have to check today.

"It will be the last training session and we have to decide. It is very close."