Rafa ready to shuffle pack

Benitez to rotate squad in Holland

Last updated: 7th December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rafa ready to shuffle pack

Benitez: Set to make changes

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Rafa Benitez is preparing to make several changes for Liverpool's UEFA Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday.

The Reds have already qualified for the last 16 of the competition and Benitez has the luxury of being able to rest players for his side's final Group D game.

Liverpool will still be looking to secure top spot ahead of Atletico Madrid but Benitez wants to rotate his squad in Holland.

The likes of Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Dirk Kuyt, Jose Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa could be left out, meaning Lucas, Ryan Babel, Yossi Benayoun, David Ngog and goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri are all in contention to start.

Benitez, who may even gamble on rookie reserves Stephen Darby and Jay Spearing, said: "It is difficult to say now who will play in Eindhoven, but it is clear that we will be making several changes.

"But we will probably take most of the senior players because of the prospect of injuries.

"The players are involved in more matches these days. Kuyt, Carragher and Arbeloa have all played a lot of games this season.

"But we have to send out a squad with four local players because of the regulations, so that does not make it easy.

"We cannot obviously, use young players who are not on the list registered for the tournament, so we are limited in making many changes.

"But Lucas will be involved. People have criticised him recently but he has been working so hard, he is the kind of player with a great character who will become very important for us."

Difficult

Benitez is wary of the threat posed by PSV as they seek to clinch a place in the Uefa Cup.

"There is still a lot on the match itself. It is still important for PSV and Marseille to get points to get into the Uefa Cup," said the Reds boss.

"But it will be difficult for Marseille against Atletico because their opponents are very good on the counter-attack and dangerous.

"And PSV also need to win, so they will make it very difficult for us. They have ability, pace and they are playing at home."

Important

Finishing top should benefit Liverpool in the draw for the next stage but Benitez realises that it is not quite so straightforward.

He explained: "It is difficult to know whether you want to finish first or second in the group.

"We cannot play an English side in the last 16, so that reduces the options.

"Looking at the groups we could finish top and still end up playing against Juventus or Real Madrid, it is also possible to face Lyon or Bayern Munich so it is very difficult to decide who you would rather play next.

"The best thing about winning the group is that you play the second leg of the next round at Anfield, which is very important for us."