Benitez Looking To Take Liverpool Confidence Into Arsenal Tie

Even though Rafael Benitez is going to ring the changes in his team selection for the Arsenal fixture at Ashburton Grove on Wednesday evening, the Liverpool boss is hoping his side can maintain the feel-good factor that engulfed Anfield following the weekend win over Manchester United.

Alberto Aquilani, the man bought to replace Xabi Alonso, is due to make his first appearance in a Red jersey after the former Roma star completed his recovery from an ankle injury, while defenders Andrea Dossena and Sotirios Kyrgiakos are also in line to start.

"I was really proud after the [United] game," Benitez told the Press Association. "I knew beforehand we were training well and the mentality was good, and the atmosphere before the game with 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and the fans was fantastic. Sometimes we talk about Champions League nights with everyone enjoying it, supporting and pushing the team - that's what it was like."

He continued: "It was important to win and the confidence is back, but it's important to know that it's a long race and we have to keep going. We have important games coming and we have to be ready."

On the task that lies immediately ahead - a trip to north London - he said: "This is a special competition in which you try to give opportunities to young players or players who are not playing regularly. These things together make it difficult.

"This cup for the young players of Arsenal is always an extra motivation, so it will be even more difficult but we have to be ready to do a job."

Alan Dawson, Goal.com