MARK LAWRENSON: Planning ahead is fine, but the next game vital

Dec 11 2007

RAFAEL BENITEZ’S forward planning saw Liverpool take a backward step in the race for the Premier League title.

However Arsenal’s defeat at Middlesbrough means the setback at Reading is by no means a fatal blow to Anfield’s hopes.

In fact, this year is building up to be one of the most exciting for some time – with all four of the top clubs in the league table in with a chance of taking the crown.

It may well go down the wire and the results when the top four play each other may make all the difference.

There will be one or two surprises along the way, although Liverpool did not help themselves at Reading with furthering tinkering to the line-up, with one eye on tonight’s Champions League showdown in France.

Planning ahead is one thing, but making sure you win the game immediately in front of you is surely just as important. By all means, rest players when you have got the game in the bag.

Liverpool have been very good lately, although a few too many draws means they still have a bit of catching up to do in the Premier League.

Winning is no easy thing at Reading, but imagine the mood in the camp if they had won and actually gained some ground on Arsenal.

But in this case, worrying about the big game ahead has not helped.

Having queried the starting line-up, though, I would not quibble with Benitez’s decision to withdraw Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher as the game slipped beyond them.

They can now fully concentrate on Marseille tonight – and I expect Liverpool to come up with the result they need.

When they won at Anfield, the French supporters were stunned by the result. They have looked a very ordinary side so far this year. They do not look as strong mentally as Liverpool.

A win in France will set Liverpool up nicely for the weekend visit of Manchester United.

These are always tight fixtures, but the quality of the match does not always live up to the hype because there is so much at stake.

Liverpool are certainly due some luck at home.

At least Dick Turpin wore a mask during his robberies, and even Sir Alex Ferguson had to acknowledge that his side were fortunate to win last year.