Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez knows victory over Aston Villa will help them regain confidence in their pursuit of a top four finish.

After the home match against Tottenham on January 10, Liverpool face seven sides from the bottom half of the table as they look to revive their flagging fortunes.

Benitez said: "If we can win at Villa we will gain more confidence for the future.

"Villa, Spurs and Manchester City are all doing well and we know we must compete with them for fourth place.

"We know, though, that this time it is more difficult. Previously Villa have done well in the first half of a season and then lost games.

"But they have spent some money, they have good players, and we accept that they will make it difficult for us in the fight for fourth position."