Source: Liverpool_Echo
JOHN ALDRIDGE: Man Utd clash is the biggest of Rafa Benitez’s reign at Liverpool FC
RAFA BENITEZ has taken charge of some big Liverpool games but tomorrow is the most important Premier League match of his reign.[LNB]There is no other way to say it. We have endured an absolutely horrendous run of results and the fact that we are now talking about salvaging our season already shows how much of an impact those four straight defeats have had.[LNB]To suffer another loss at the hands of our arch rivals that would destroy any hopes of a title challenge at this early stage is unthinkable; it is a scenario that the manager and his players cannot allow to happen.[LNB]Fingers crossed that either Steven Gerrard or Fernando Torres will be available to play, as that will give us a real lift but if they aren't available, it is simply a question of digging in, showing a lot of determination and trying to get that confidence-boosting win.[LNB]If they do not pass their respective fitness tests, it will be interesting to see what Rafa does with the team as some of the selections and decisions he has made in the past seven days have raised eyebrows.[LNB]The two which really struck me were the fact he asked David Ngog to lead the line against Lyon and him taking Yossi Benayoun off during a period when we were still in the game, looking for a winning goal.[LNB]Rafa may have high hopes for Ngog and in a couple of years, it could be that we are all seeing the best of him but, at this moment in time, to me he looks very inexperienced and makes naive choices on the pitch.[LNB]If Torres misses out, the only man who can lead the line for Liverpool tomorrow is Dirk Kuyt and he should have assumed that role on Tuesday night, when we were once again let down by defensive failings.
