“We have played better than many of our opponents in this run, we have had plenty of opportunities to score. They know the situation.

“We have ideas, we have solutions to problems, and plans for matches. The players know we have been a lot better than people are saying.”

He continued: “We need a winning mentality to return, but we have not planned any differently for matches, just the same organisation.

“Things are still positive, we have players coming back from injuries. We have been positive in recent league games against Birmingham and Manchester City, things have been improving.”

Benitez’s hand has been severely weakened by injuries to star duo Torres and Steven Gerrard as well as a number of other first XI regulars.

Gerrard is now back, along with Glen Johnson, Fabio Aurelio and Yossi Benayoun, but Torres is unlikely to be ready for the short trip across Stanley Park.

“Steven Gerrard has started to play 90 minutes again, so there are a lot of things that give us confidence that we are improving,” said Benitez.

“Some players are fitter now. So we can manage the team and matches in a different way.

“If you do not have a strong bench, it is difficult to change games.

“Now with more options it can be easier for us in such circumstances.”

Meanwhile, Dean Bouzanis yesterday joined Accrington Stanley on loan until the New Year.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper has agreed a deal that will run until January 2. Bouzanis arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2007 from the New South Wales Institute of Sport and has figured for John McMahon’s reserves this season.