RAFAEL BENITEZ claims not to understand the meaning of “squeaky bum time”. But the Liverpool manager knows the value of twisting the psychological screw on Manchester United today

The race for the Premier League title moves into the final stretch this weekend with Benitez’s side breathing down the necks of the champions.

Such a scenario seemed unlikely as little as three weeks ago until thumping victories against United and Aston Villa rekindled the fire in Liverpool’s challenge.

Indeed, victory at Fulham this evening would move Benitez’s side back to the top of the table for the first time since mid-January and further turn up the pressure on their bitter North West rivals.

“Ferguson has to be nervous as we are working hard to put them under pressure,” says Benitez. “But I am not fighting with Ferguson, I am just thinking about the best for my team.”

But when asked about Ferguson’s famous phrase for the business end of the season, Benitez responded: “I do not know the meaning of the squeak!”

It was Fulham who gave Liverpool the opportunity to close within a point of the leaders by beating United 2-0 at Craven Cottage a fortnight ago.

The Londoners have also beaten Arsenal and drawn with Chelsea at home this season, and Benitez anticipates a tough encounter at a venue where his team have endured mixed fortunes in recent years.

“We know it will be very, very difficult they have a lot confidence now after beating United,” he says. “We have to play very well if we want to win. It will be another positive message but we have to win first.

“We are in a very good moment and have a lot of confidence. We are fighting for the title against United, Chelsea, massive clubs with a lot of experience.

“But we can only take it one game at a time. We have enough confidence but if you can reinforce the confidence by winning. The players say ‘we can do it’ and then you win you can say ‘okay, it’s true, we can do it’.”

Liverpool face capital opposition again on Wednesday when they entertain Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

“We were talking before training session yesterday about how important this stage of the season is – just like Christmas time, it’s crucial,” adds Benitez.

“We will think of the Fulham game as a final and the Chelsea game as a final.”