Benitez is determined to ensure the Reds’ 2-0 victory over Everton finally kick-starts the club’s campaign.

The Spaniard admits the derby triumph at Goodison was the ideal boost following the disappointment of crashing out of the Champions League.

It moved the Reds up to fifth in the Premier League and despite all their problems they are just three points adrift of third placed Tottenham.

“We’re in a good moment and we want to keep the momentum going after last weekend,” Benitez said.

“We’ve shown a lot of character in the last two games against Debrecen and Everton.

“It was a difficult match against Everton as they were pushing all the time. We had to work so hard to get the win and for our confidence it was massive.

“We need to build on that win, put a run together and try to get as high as possible.

“It is important to realise it is a long race until the end of the season.

“We were talking before, saying that we can't give up, we have to keep going.

“We knew that if we could win one or two games we would be in a better position. That applies now. If we can get three more points against Blackburn it could be better again.”

Liverpool did the double over Rovers last season with a 3-1 win at Ewood Park in December followed by a comprehensive 4-0 thrashing at Anfield in April.

The Reds have lost just one of the last 21 league meetings between the clubs but Blackburn are on a high after their midweek Carling Cup penalty shootout win over Chelsea.

Rovers, who will welcome back boss Allardyce after heart surgery, are also unbeaten at home in the league since losing to Manchester City on the opening day of the season.

“It’s not an easy place to go as their fans really get behind the team,” Benitez said.

“They are a strong and physical team who play direct with a lot of set-pieces.

“They will have taken confidence from beating Chelsea.

“We know it will be tough and we have to be ready.

“If we want to be in the top four we need to start winning games in a row.”

Benitez has taken great satisfaction from the fact that the Reds have kept back to back clean sheets.

But they still boast the joint worst away defensive record in the top half of the Premier League and he’s still looking for an improvement.

“We have more than enough people who can score goals,” he said.

“That’s not a problem for us, it’s more important for us to improve in defence.

“We’ve conceded more goals this season than we have in the past and we need to keep a good balance like we had last season.”

Skipper Steven Gerrard will make his 500th appearance for the Reds today and become only the 13th player in the club’s history to reach the landmark.

Alberto Aquilani is set to be among the substitutes once again.

The Italian midfielder is still awaiting his first start following his £18million switch from Roma.

He has only made three brief appearances so far and Benitez will continue to err on the side of caution.

The central midfield axis of Javier Mascherano and Lucas is unlikely to be broken up until Wednesday’s home date with Fiorentina.

“Alberto is taking a full part in training, is doing well and has no problems,” Benitez added.

“We’re trying to find the right time to put him in.

“If we can do it on Saturday at Blackburn then good, if not then Fiorentina will be the target.

“When you aren’t having easy games it’s tricky.

“To play a player who is not fully match fit in a tight game is a risk both for you as a team and for him as a player.

“He will need time to settle down but match fitness is something you can only improve by playing games.”

Ryan Babel is still out with an ankle injury but Benitez has no other fitness concerns.