RAFA ISSUES TORRES WARNING

The Spain international has bagged three in three against our bitter rivals, though missed a golden opportunity to add to that on Monday when he hit the post after going one-on-one with Tim Howard.

It was Torres' first start since November, and Benitez expects his hitman to be much sharper this weekend following an intense 85-minute run-out.

"I was impressed with him on Monday. It is not easy to play in a derby when it is so intense. He was exhausted at the end but he did well," the boss told Liverpoolfc.tv ahead of Sunday's FA Cup fourth round clash with David Moyes' men.

"He is very close to full fitness - now it's just about getting match fitness. He needs to play games.

"You know a striker needs to play games and be in front of the goal a few times. That's the key - getting the confidence. The more chances you get the more likely you are to start scoring goals. Hopefully he can score this weekend."

Benitez this week reiterated to his players the importance of not conceding free-kicks in the final third against sides such as Everton.

The Reds looked to have secured a priceless win on Monday night before a Yossi Benayoun foul gave Mikel Arteta the chance to swing in a dangerous ball which wasn't dealt with, allowing Tim Cahill to head home an equaliser.

"We have talked about both things. We had to be careful and not commit silly fouls, and then after we had to defend the set piece," said Benitez.

"Okay, we made the mistake and maybe we can learn from it for the future.

"Clearly we have talked about this. The players realise that we have to improve. But we are not conceding too many goals and it is always going to seem worse when you concede such an important goal in a derby.

"We work on these things every week, practicing set pieces for and against."

Sunday's game is the first of three in a week, with Wigan away in midweek followed by a big four showdown with Chelsea.

Asked if he would rotate players on Sunday, Benitez replied: "We will see. We have plenty of time before the game but we have to think about Wigan and Chelsea. Anyway, I think we have enough quality in the squad."

Meanwhile, Benitez expects all of the top sides to drop unexpected points over the coming months.

While Liverpool have slipped up at home to the likes of Hull and Stoke this term, United have stuttered against strugglers Newcastle and Tottenham, while Chelsea were surprised by West Ham, Newcastle and Fulham.

Benitez added: "I think it will continue. The level of the teams in the Premier League is improving. There are teams who can beat you at home or away. Normally the top sides will win more games than they lose, but you can still lose or draw."

The media pack quizzed Benitez on whether Liverpool were feeling the pressure of being near the top following Monday's draw. They were shown short shrift.

The gaffer told us. "To be at the top of the table is good. To be under pressure because you are in with a chance of winning something is positive too."