RAFAEL Benitez has urged his Liverpool players not to lose their belief ahead of another vital Barclays Premier League clash at West Ham.

Victory for the Reds at Upton Park will put them back on top of the table on goal difference, at least for 24 hours until leaders Manchester United face Manchester City at Old Trafford tomorrow.

But however hard Liverpool have chased the champions in the closing weeks of the campaign, the slip-ups they crave have just not materialised.

Arguably their last chance comes when United play their next three league matches in a week, with games against Wigan and Arsenal following the Manchester derby.

Benitez, who will be without ankle-injury victim Xabi Alonso in east London today, said: ‘‘Every single week it has been an opportunity for us to get three points and to put pressure on Manchester United.

‘‘We must keep winning, keep pushing and see what happens. It could be difficult for them against Manchester City, but United are a very good team.

‘‘But you never know what could happen. It is up to us to win our games and be waiting.

‘‘Maybe, hopefully, City can do us a favour. But there is nothing we can do about that match, only ours.

‘‘And I am not even sure whether I will be watching the game, there’s nothing I can contribute so it may be better to just enjoy the day with my family.

‘‘But we have to believe. We have done well, we have been able to win a lot of games right at the end which shows our fitness. We have gained a lot of experience and the spirit has been fantastic among the players.

‘‘We will push right until the end. Even that will be of use to us in the future, but we still must believe we can do something this season, not wait for next.’’ Benitez will have Fernando Torres (hamstring) and Javier Mascherano (ankle) fit today.