Liverpool FC Forum

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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is hoping Birmingham have their minds on The Premiership when they meet in the FA Cup quarter finals next month.

The Reds overcame Manchester United on Saturday and their reward is a last-eight meeting with Blues.

The cup is a welcome distraction for Birmingham who are battling to avoid relegation from the top flight and Benitez is hoping the focus of attention at St Andrews is on their Premiership plight.

"At this stage, with all Premiership clubs you've got to play good teams," was Benitez's reaction to the draw.

"Maybe Birmingham will be more concerned about their league position and this might not be as important to them as staying in the division."

The Reds are battling on three fronts, but Benitez feels he has the depth to cope with a taxing schedule.

"I feel I've got a big enough squad to cope with playing in three competitions and all I can say is that I'd have rather been drawn at home," he added.