Benitez warns Reds must stay focused amid derby day hype

LIVERPOOL boss Rafael Benitez has warned Liverpool must contain their anticipation over the Merseyside derby FA Cup tie which is sure to be the talk of their city all month — because there are important matches to be won in the meantime for his table-toppers.

Liverpool and Everton will clash twice in a week, in the Barclays Premier League on January 19 and then in the fourth round of the cup the following weekend.

With both games at Anfield, Benitez knows a crucial stage beckons in Liverpool’s quest for both the league title and FA Cup.