Liverpool owners set to step aside as Benitez admits: Spurs and City have it all to lose

Warning: Liverpool Manager Rafael BenitezRafael Benitez has warned Manchester City and Tottenham that the pressure is on them to stop Liverpool from winning the race for fourth. Benitez's side host Fulham tomorrow in what may prove to be a dress rehearsal for the Europa League Final. Although they will have played more games, victory would put themlevel with Tottenham and one point behind City, who kick off an hourlater at home to Birmingham. Liverpool remain outsiders to claim the fourth place Benitezguaranteed earlier in the season, but he hopes the pressure will tellon his rivals if they can win their remaining five games. City boss Roberto Mancini was at Anfield on Thursday night to seeLiverpool beat Benfica 4-1 and Benitez said: 'He will see our team isstrong and he knows that they have to win their games. 'You never know what they think, but they are in a good positionand, if they lose, it will be more through their fault so they will bemore under pressure - especially if they make a mistake in their nextone or two games.' Meanwhile, it is believed that owners Tom Hicks and George Gillettmay stand aside and appoint an independent chairman in a bid to attractinvestment. The duo's refusal to listen to a £110m offer from the RhoneGroup for a 40 per cent stake sparked an outspoken response fromBenitez this week. It came as Hicks and Gillett held talks with their advisors in London ahead of a summer deadline to reduce the club's £237m debts. The unpopular owners could stand aside even if they do not decide to sell a stake, with British Airways chairman Martin Broughton one of the business heads being considered.  England World Cup match targeted by terrorist group linked to al-Qa'edaLiverpool v FULHAM: Bobby Zamora and Simon Davies could both miss out following Euro winFulham take it easy again: Hodgson to rest key players against Liverpool  

Source: Daily_Mail