Liverpool FC Forum

Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina has warned that defeat to Manchester United tomorrow could spell the end of the Anfield club's title challenge.

The 2005 Champions League winners would be left 11 points adrift of United after just nine rounds of matches.

Liverpool have already lost three of their first four away matches in this season's Barclays Premiership, and Reina said: 'We know we're losing ground. We're too far behind United.

'Eight points is too many and that makes Sunday's outcome all the more important. We have to keep going and fight for everything, but if they win it will be 11 points between us - and that could be too much.'

Manager Rafael Benitez has offered a different view to that of the 24-year-old former Villarreal goalkeeper.

Benitez predicts a much closer race for the title this season, with many of the smaller teams managing wins or draws against the big boys.

He said: 'Everything is not perfect but we are improving and it is important that we continue in that way against United.

'I do not like to think in terms of `if we lose we can't win the title'. I prefer to think of what will happen if we do win, if we can win there we can change the way we think about the future.

'We are not thinking of losing, only that we have confidence that we can win.

'This league is always a long race, and the most important thing for me is to see the players focused right to the end. To the end of each game and to the end of the season.

'As for the title race, I believe at the end of the season we will see maybe three or four clubs closer together than last season. I do not believe it will be like that again with one club so far ahead.'

Benitez will have captain Steven Gerrard back for his 350th Liverpool game following a hamstring injury - with Mohamed Sissoko, Dirk Kuyt, Daniel Agger and Robbie Fowler all back in the frame for starting roles after injuries.

Benitez said: 'If you want to win titles, you must beat the top sides. We are very aware of how big this game is for our fans and it is one of the games we know we have to be able to win to compete at the top level.'