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Champions League

Can Benitez secure a cup triumph to salvage his season?

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Nik Wardle looks at Liverpool's chances of success in knock-out competitions

I believe Rafa Benitez's rotational policy has, once again, cost them a shot at the title. None of the other managers of the big four rotate players as regularly as Benitez does in Premiership matches and this is probably why Liverpool are 17 points off the pace. Whereas Torres was regularly rested for early season games, his contemporaries - Adebayor, Drogba and Rooney rarely were. And a match winner can't win matches if he's not playing. They're a very distant [100.0] to win the Premiership.

Whereas Liverpool's league performances under Benitez have been disappointing, his Champions League record has been superb. Two finals during his reign is an excellent return and, frankly, has been what's kept him in the job. Inter Milan await Liverpool in the next round. They're unbeaten in Serie A - much of this has been down to the scoring form of Ibrahimovic and his less-fashionable partner Cruz. They've forged a good understanding over time - something Torres has been unable to do with his pals at Liverpool. One ray of hope for Liverpool is that Inter's record in this competition is far behind that of their neighbours AC Milan. But I still think Inter go into this game as favourites. The market backs that assumption - Liverpool are at [12.0] to add to their five triumphs while Inter trade at [9.6].

Despite trying their best to throw away easy ties, Liverpool remain in the FA Cup. They face Burnley at Anfield next - their third draw against lower league opposition. Their low odds of [4.0] to lift the trophy reflect the expectations they'll walk this tie and given the luck they've had with the draw thus far, they're a good bet with so many Premiership clubs already being knocked out. The fact Man Utd and Arsenal face each other next, means the path is clearing fast.

The Reds are at [21.0] to win both cups. I don't see this being their year in the Champions League, so I wouldn't back this bet. Due to the quality in their squad, you'd expect at least some success and the FA Cup is a realistic prospect for them - although much depends on their luck in the draws holding.

I'm surprised that the importance of the league to their fans doesn't appear to have dawned on Benitez yet. The wrangles with the owners have masked what a poor season it's been so far for Liverpool and it looks likely he'll need some positives to take to the end of season board meeting to get another season at Anfield. Gerard Houllier was ultimately sacked for his lack of progress in the league and it remains to be seen if Benitez will suffer the same fate.