Benítez building for Reds title tilt

Lofty position
Indeed, victory against Wigan Athletic FC in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off at Anfield will take them into second place - temporarily, at least - their highest position for three years. Benítez may have the 2004/05 UEFA Champions League trophy safely in the cabinet, but it is the future that concerns him as Liverpool's season gains momentum and a title challenge begins to look a possibility.

Imminent arrivals
Captain Steven Gerrard believes a couple of January signings will further boost the Reds and equip them for a concerted assault on English football's top honour. "January is only around the corner for a few more exciting players - it's an open secret the manager is trying to bring in new players, special players - and we'll have a right go [in the championship] if we keep playing the way we're playing."

Chelsea rivalry
Another test of Liverpool's credentials looms on Wednesday, when the Reds travel to Chelsea FC for their final UEFA Champions League Group G enagagement. Both teams have qualified for the knockout stage but neither will want to concede ground in the latest instalment of what has become an absorbing rivalry. Benítez's side were defeated by Chelsea in last season's English League Cup final, yet their cup prowess then took them past the Londoners en route to that famous night in Istanbul.

Domestic improvement
And if, as last term, there was a marked contrast between Liverpool's assured displays in Europe and their inconsistency in domestic matches earlier in this campaign, it seems they are now discovering the knack of performing on several fronts.

Misfiring Crouch
In their last five Premiership games, Liverpool have scored ten goals without conceding. That return has lifted them from 13th spot to fourth, with only champions Chelsea, Manchester United FC and Arsenal FC ahead of them. Perhaps the only worry for Benítez is the failure of summer signing Peter Crouch to score. The towering striker missed a penalty against Portsmouth FC on 19 November and has yet to open his account for the Merseysiders.

Simão to sign?
The positives far outweigh the negatives, though. January could bring the arrival of SL Benfica winger Simão, whom Benítez coveted last summer, and Gerrard "can't wait". The English international, who relishes the central midfield battle, said: "The boss has said he wants a right-sided player, which will get me back in the middle, and he also wants a central defender." The way things are shaping up, Liverpool may yet be able to provide a fitting sequel this season to their UEFA Champions League triumph the last. "Our current form is excellent - now we aim to keep it going," Gerrard insisted.