Benítez sets goals for Liverpool

Liverpool FC are looking to restore their title hopes and their scoring touch when they take on Newcastle United FC at Anfield in what is traditionally one of the most goal-laden English Premiership fixtures.

Goals needed
After back-to-back defeats by Everton FC (3-0) and Chelsea FC (1-0), Liverpool have taken just four points from their opening four league games and have failed to score in 315 minutes. Summer signings Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt are yet to find the net in the Premiership, although boss Rafael Benítez retains confidence in his strikers. "The key for us is to start scoring goals," he said. "After three games away from home, in which we created a lot of chances, I'm sure we're going to start scoring soon."

Given blow
The precedents suggest Liverpool should be among the goals against Glenn Roeder's side tonight, following 4-3 wins in this fixture in April 1996 and March 1997. And Liverpool's hopes of ending their scoreless streak have been aided by the fact that Newcastle's Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has been sidelined with a serious stomach injury, with Steve Harper set to deputise.

Roeder determined
The UEFA Cup contenders are also without injured defenders Steven Taylor and Titus Bramble but go into the match after a 2-0 victory at West Ham United FC on Sunday. Roeder said: "It is one of the toughest places to go in the Premiership, but we go there on the back of a terrific display and we will be determined to leave Anfield with a good result. It is important for them to get back to winning ways, but I couldn't even guess what their team will be."

Still in race
Roeder may have been alluding to Benítez's habit of changing his team from game to game. However, with no new injury worries, the latter may well stick with the side that impressed at Chelsea in terms of performance if not result. The Reds trail the champions by eight points, albeit with a match in hand, although Benítez is refusing to write off their title hopes. "It is a long race and after four games you need to be calm. This is not the time to be thinking about the league table. As a manager, I need to see if the team is improving and it is clear to me it is."