RAFA BENITEZ today demanded Liverpool end their disappointing Champions League campaign on a positive note – as he considered handing Stephen Darby a first start.
The Reds go into tonight’s final Group E clash against Fiorentina with only pride to play for and Benitez knows there is likely to be an unusual atmosphere inside Anfield.
However, he will tell the side he selects to be positive in order to preserve their current six match unbeaten run and has confirmed Alberto Aquilani will start in midfield.
Aquilani, though, will not be the only change and Darby is in contention to take over from Glen Johnson at right-back, as Benitez tries to give some of his squad a break.
Darby, who led Liverpool to FA Youth Cup success in 2007, has made two appearances for the senior side so far, but none at Anfield.
He figured as a late substitute at Spurs in the Carling Cup defeat last season, then came on in Eindhoven as the Reds won 3-1 against PSV.
It is likely the team will have a blend of youth and experience – both Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres will be in the squad – and Benitez expects it to be good enough to win.
“We will go into the game disappointed because always you want to be playing for something and that is not the case,” said Benitez.
“But we will be going to win for our fans and some players, like Aquilani, will have an opportunity to start, so we also have to do well for them.
“It will be good for Aquilani and we will be able to see how he does in a game, as it is completely different to doing well in training.
“This is also an opportunity for us to play well, to win and score some goals. We have a problem in that Fiorentina are a good team, they are well organised and will try to win.
“They will make it difficult for us to find spaces but that is what we will try to do and we want to make sure we win.”
Torres will be involved for the first time since Liverpool drew 1-1 with Lyon on November 4 but Benitez has warned he is not yet ready for 90 minutes.
Provided everything goes according to plan, Torres will come on in the second half to put himself into contention for Sunday’s crucial Premier League meeting with Arsenal.
That game is clearly in Benitez mind as he wants his squad to be in top shape but is aware men like Dirk Kuyt, Jamie Carragher, Lucas and Emiliano Insua, have all had increased workloads in recent months.
“Fernando cannot start yet for the same reason that Alberto hasn’t been able to start – it has been three or four weeks since he trained properly,” said Benitez.
“But we want to try and give him some minutes. How much depends on the way the game is going but we will prepare him properly and probably use him in the second half. We will change some players but still we will play some big names.”
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