Rafa Benitez warns Luton to expect his strongest team in FA Cup

Jan 13 2008

Rafa Benitez has vowed to pick the strongest side possible to face League One Luton in the third round FA Cup replay at Anfield on Tuesday.

The Liverpool boss has rejected claims he fielded a weakened team for the original match, which the sides drew 1-1.

Steven Gerrard was missing from the team through injury, and Fernando Torres did not play.

"I was surprised when a journalist questioned me about not using my strongest team," said Benitez.

"We had 10 international players in the side but the journalist was just talking about Fernando Torres, so I think he didn't know exactly about our squad.

"We will approach the replay with the same idea. I will use a strong team again because we want to progress in the FA Cup.

"It is a fantastic competition and we want to win it again."

Benitez added: "Our performance wasn't good enough, that is clear. We were really disappointed after the game but a lot of Premier League teams didn't even get a replay.

"We watched some videos and we knew it could be a tough game because they are physical and for them it was like a final.

"It was an opportunity for their players to show their quality and put themselves in the window. You must give credit to them because they played well.

"Maybe we can learn from this game and it will be totally different at Anfield. We have another opportunity now and I have a lot of confidence in our team. I think we will win because we want to progress in the competition."

If Liverpool win, they will face Swansea or Havant and Waterlooville in the fourth round.