Benítez Ready to Rest Torres But Will Go Easy on Reds' Rotation

Rafael Benítez has insisted he will curb his squad rotation at Arsenal today because of a lingering threat to Liverpool's Champions League qualification prospects from their Merseyside rivals Everton.

Fernando Torres is among the high-profile talents expected to be rested when Liverpool return to the Emirates Stadium three days after holding Arsenal 1-1 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Unlike Arsène Wenger, who still has an outside chance of taking the title from Manchester United, the Liverpool manager can afford to utilize his squad, with Tuesday's second leg at Anfield in mind. Victory over Everton last week has given Benítez's team a five-point lead with six games remaining but the Spaniard denies that the fight for fourth has ended.

"It was important for us to beat Everton last week but we know it's important to win every game that we play," the Spaniard said. "I don't think the fact we have a five-point lead over Everton can give any leeway over team selection against Arsenal. We need to keep winning every game if possible to keep the confidence of the team high. Everton are playing Derby on Sunday and normally you would expect them to win that. So it's important that we get a win at Arsenal, or at least don't get beat."

Despite his protestations Benítez will make changes from the side that started on Wednesday. Torres's likely absence could give Peter Crouch or Andriy Voronin a rare start, and Steve Finnan and Jermaine Pennant are also in contention for a return. The veteran defender Sami Hyypia is another to be rested.

"When you play three games in seven days against a team as good as Arsenal, and with the high tempo the games will be played at, you know that you are going to have to change players," Benítez said. "It's impossible to use the same players for all three games. Torres was tired but is a young player and normally you would expect him to be fit soon, but we need to check how he will be. Some people might need four days, so we need to see."

Liverpool will appeal against the extra two-match ban handed to Javier Mascherano, who has served one game for his two yellow cards at Old Trafford and admitted a charge of improper conduct for his refusal to leave the field. "We have requested that the penalty not be set aside pending the outcome," the club said. "Consequently, Javier is suspended for tomorrow's game at Arsenal."