Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has repeated his criticism of the Premier League. "You have to analyse the jet-lag and everything else. I had 18 players away and you just have to pick the fittest, the freshest," said Benitez.

"Gerrard like the majority, wants to play every game, but I said that because Xabi Alonso and Momo Sissoko had trained with us because of [international] suspension they needed to start.

"But we have to talk to people and find a solution. It is not fair to have all your players all around the world and come back on Thursday to play early Saturday.

"I know the television companies decide on early kick-offs. So someone needs to talk to them and analyse why."

Benitez has also insists he is facing a difficult schedule in selecting a team for Liverpool's UEFA Champions League group game with Porto on Tuesday.

"We will not have time to train for that. And if we lose against Porto it is an English team losing in the Champions League," Benitez added. "If you want your teams at the top level in Europe, then you must protect them."