Benitez wary of Haifa as Reds seek first leg cushion

LIVERPOOL will be without Robbie Fowler (knee) and Fabio Aurelio (calf) for the Champions League third qualifying round first leg showdown with Maccabi Haifa at Anfield tonight, a match reckoned to be worth more than £10 million (€14.8 million) to the winners as they progress to the lucrative group stages.

And Benitez — who confirmed that he is still chasing Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt — made it clear he sees Haifa as serious opponents, a club he faced in the UEFA Cup when boss of Valencia three seasons ago.

Haifa managed a 0-0 draw in the Mestalla before losing the second leg 4-0. Benitez said: “We know we are facing a good team, they have won the title in Israel for the last three years, so they are worthy opponents.