Liverpool go into their FA Cup tie with Reading with manager Rafa Benitez admitting they face a real battle in the league.

The real prize for Benitez, though, is still a top four finish, so a run of victories to keep form and confidence high is imperative.

He said: "It will be very difficult for us to finish in the top four: Spurs, Manchester City and Aston Villa are all pushing very hard for fourth place.

"We have to keep working and keep going right to the end. We know there will be difficulties, but we must keep our confidence and add to the two wins in two games we achieved over Christmas.

"Now it is the perfect time to go on a winning run, and a victory and good performance at Reading will add to our growing confidence.

"We had to win one, then two and now we want three. If we do that before we face Spurs at Anfield in our next league game, it will be a real boost to our confidence."