Benitez: next few games are crucial

RAFAEL BENITEZ is determined to obliterate Chelsea’s relentless charge towards a second successive Premiership title from his mind as he plots the “crucial moment” of Liverpool’s season.

Liverpool have taken 31 points from the last 33, and are unbeaten in 11 Premiership games. But that form has barely dented Chelsea’s lead over them, which still stands at 17 points.

Now, before Liverpool continue their defence of the Champions League, at the end of next month, they embark on a four-week period that will be the defining point of their season on the domestic front.