Defiant Rafael Benitez Still Harbours Premier League Hope For Liverpool

Liverpool can temporarily return to the lofty height as leading club in the Premier League should they claim maximum points against West Ham United at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday afternoon, as Manchester United contest their city derby on Sunday.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men have a game in hand and a three-point cushion over Rafael Benitez's Reds, however, the Spaniard believes the domestic crown is a realistic possibility, providing Liverpool maintain their winning ways and pressurise United.

"Every week is important for us," Benitez told journalists today. "We must keep winning, keep pushing, and see what happens.

"The Manchester derby will make things difficult for them. We just have to win our games, though.

"Hopefully [Manchester] City will do us a favour. Sometimes you never know.

"We are in a good position. The future looks good, but we still have to believe - this year - that something can happen."

Alan Dawson, Goal.com

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