Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has no problem with the fact that bookmakers still rate Chelsea and Manchester United as favourites for the Premier League title ahead of his club...
Liverpool have made their best ever start to a Premier League season and sit top by a margin of three points after a run of ten successive games without defeat.
The Reds have already claimed the scalps of both Manchester United and Chelsea, the latter win achieved at Stamford Bridge, the first visiting side to do so in over four years.
Despite Liverpool's outstanding run of form, bookmakers still tip United and the Blues for a title tilt ahead of the Anfield side but Rafa Benitez insists that such statistics do not concern him.
He declared that he expects a strong challenge from all other members of the 'big four' as well as dark horses Aston Villa.
He told Sky Sports: "I don't care about this [bookmaker odds]. I just concentrate on our football and try to be there as much as we can. You can see that Chelsea are very, very strong, United and Arsenal as well.
"Aston Villa are pushing, so we have some strong teams and it will be the same until the end of the season."
Liverpool may welcome back Robbie Keane into their starting line-up for the weekend league clash with a resurgent Tottenham Hotspur.
The ex-lilywhite will be making his first return to White Hart Lane since his £20million summer switch and Benitez expects the Irishman to be well received at the London venue.
He continued: "He is available so it will be my decision. He wants to play every game.
"He was a key player for them for many years. He was a fantastic professional and always gave 100 per cent so I think the fans will appreciate this."
The Reds could also see Fernando Torres make a return to the panel after missing the last four weeks of action. The Spaniard may sit on the bench as he seeks to be fit for the midweek clash with Atlético Madrid in the Champions League.
The press asked if Torres was match-fit and Benitez replied: "Nearly. We have to check today. It will be the last training session and we have to decide. It is very close."
refer : http://www.goal.com
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