Benitez wary of battling Rams

Rafael Benitez will be wary of the threat posed by the underdog when Liverpool take on Derby at Pride Park on Boxing Day.

After an easy win over Portsmouth at the weekend and a 6-0 demolition of the Rams at Anfield earlier this season, many will see another Reds success as a mere formality - but Benitez is taking nothing for granted.

"Everyone is expecting us to beat Derby, but we have had experience of Reading (3-1 defeat) - so we will have a lot of respect for Derby and will try to win this game," he said. "When you play away against a team which is battling relegation it is always very difficult."

With Liverpool still facing the damaging prospect of being cut adrift from the 'big three' in the title race, key defender Jamie Carragher has called for his team-mates to keep their nerve.

"It does not really matter who the leaders are, as long as we keep them in sight," he said.

"At the moment it is Arsenal up there, so we just need to make sure we keep hold of them for now. I am sure a time will come this season when they start to find it difficult, especially with all the young players they have in their side.

"There is no secret they are a great side, but I am sure they will be tested at some point. We just have to make sure we are there to capitalise when it happens.

"I am sure that Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea will keep winning - so it is up to us to prove we can stay with them. It would be really exciting if it is a four-horse race with 10 games to go."