BENITEZ HOPEFUL ON TRIO

James Carroll at Anfield 03 May 2009

Rafa Benitez is hoping to have Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano available for next week's clash with West Ham United.

Alonso was forced off the field late on in Liverpool's 3-0 victory over Newcastle United after a rash challenge by Joey Barton, which saw the Magpies midfielder receive a straight red card, while Mascherano also sustained a knock.

Benitez told his post-match press conference: "Mascherano twisted his ankle and Xabi picked up a knock.

"He (Alonso) has some bruising, but I think he will be okay in a few days."

The Anfield boss also expects to have the services of Torres at his disposal in East London after the Spain striker sat out the 3-0 victory over Newcastle.

"Fernando had a problem with his hamstring and it would have been a risk to play him today," added Benitez. "In the end we decided to leave him out of the squad, which I think was the right decision.

"I think he will be back next week. He was very close today, but to start with him could have been dangerous.

"To keep him on the bench, maybe without a proper warm-up, could have also put him at risk, but I think he will be ready for next week."

RAFA: WE SHOULD HAVE SCORED MORE

James Carroll at Anfield 03 May 2009

Rafa Benitez hailed his Liverpool players after the 3-0 victory Newcastle United, but insisted his team could have scored more goals.

Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt put the Reds into a 2-0 half-time lead, before Lucas Leiva came off the bench to head home a third at the death.

However, the home team could have further extended their advantage had they not struck Steve Harper's crossbar on three occasions.

"I think it was a good game, but could have been better as we had plenty of possession and a lot of chances," Benitez told his post-match press conference.

"We had opportunities to score more goals. To hit the crossbar three times in one match is enough!

"But in winning 3-0 and keeping a clean sheet, we have a lot of positives."

"We knew that mentally they could have some problems if we scored first," he added.

"That was the key, but you could see at 2-0 they were still working very hard so scoring the third goal was important for us to finish the game."

The win moves Liverpool to within three points of league leaders Manchester United and Benitez has called on his players to take maximum points from their remaining three fixtures to keep the pressure on Alex Ferguson's men.

"We know they (United) are a good team with good players," said Benitez.

"They have to make two big mistakes, but we have to be ready. We have to try and get three points in each match and see if they feel under pressure and make mistakes.

"We have to win our games. It is the only solution for us - keep winning games and put them under pressure."

LIVERPOOL 3 - 0 NEWCASTLE

Liverpool	1 - 3	Newcastle
Benayoun
D. Kuyt
Lucas

Benayoun

D. Kuyt

Lucas

[EPL] April Goal of the Month