Benitez faces derby test

The game at Goodison Park finished 3-0 to Everton last year, a result that punctured any thought that Liverpool had what it took to win the title.

 And while Liverpool remain unbeaten in the league, similar questions are being asked this season ahead of Saturday's showdown.

 Benitez's rotation policy has come into question, with suggestions that it has left his side unable to foster the understanding that comes from playing together.

 Players who feel they are not getting their chance have been left frustrated, with forward Peter Crouch rumoured to be looking for a way to leave the club.

 Benitez, though, has denied those claims.

 "People have been talking about Peter Crouch for two months, but he is our player and we don't want to sell him," he said.

 "He is a nice boy, a good professional, a good player. It is clear that this team now with four strikers creates more competition for places, but I don't have any problems because Crouch is a good player."

   Crouch could get his chance Saturday, with Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt both injury doubts.

 "Torres is improving a lot. He wants to play," Benitez said. "I was talking with him before and he said 'If you want, I will be available'.

 "It could be a small risk, but we need to check with the physio.

 "Harry Kewell is training, Xabi Alonso is running, Kuyt is running also, but (Daniel) Agger will be more difficult.

 "We need to wait and see. Maybe we will need to use one, but not all because we have two more important games after the derby."

   After drawing four of their opening eight games and winning the other four, Liverpool trail league leaders Arsenal by six points.

 Arsenal themselves are home to Bolton, who parted company with manager Sammy Lee this week, while second-placed Manchester United travel to Aston Villa.

 Villa have already beaten Chelsea this season, but they could be without defender Olof Mellberg, who has a back injury.

 Third-placed Manchester City face Birmingham at the City of Manchester Stadium, while Chelsea face a testing trip to Middlesbrough, where they lost twice in three games under Jose Mourinho.

 History will matter less to them, though, than the fact defenders John Terry and Ashley Cole are both out from injuries suffered on England duty.By Ben James, dpa