Having been jeered off against Reading in their last home game, Liverpool were backed by a tremendous support at Stoke on Saturday.

And Aurelio believes the fans could yet make a difference in the battle for fourth place.

“We have got to be grateful for the support we got at Stoke,” says the left-back. “The fans were superb. They are always very helpful for us when they are behind us like that. It will be our first home game since we got beat by Reading, so we want to give them something back.”

Benitez concurs with the Brazilian. “The fans were really, really good the other day,” he says. “At half-time we hadn’t played well but we had shown some character and the fans were behind the team and also backing me. I have to be really pleased because the majority understand that we are working very hard in different circumstances from some time ago.

“If we want to change the situation the fans have to back the team and support the players on the pitch and the manager as he is with them and we are all together.”

In the wake of defeat to Reading, rumours spread across Merseyside and beyond regarding apparent discord behind the scenes at Anfield.

It was typical of the tittle-tattle that has attached itself to Liverpool this season, something Benitez finds hard to fathom.

“It’s difficult to explain,” he says. “But for two or three months everybody has been talking about us. They don’t talk about the other clubs too much.

“Maybe it’s because we are a top side and maybe it’s because the people were expecting we would be in the title race until the end. I don’t know. We will try to do our job on the pitch and if we can win games then maybe people can leave us alone.”

While expecting a taxing time from Harry Redknapp’s side, history suggests Liverpool should approach tonight’s game with confidence. Tottenham haven’t won at Anfield since 1993, which was also their last win at a ‘big four’ venue, a run of 66 games.

They will come up against at least one former forward, with Peter Crouch and Robbie Keane both vying for a starting role for the visitors.

With Liverpool struggling for striking cover to replace the injured Fernando Torres, Benitez’s decision to sell the duo has been called into question,.

But he says: “You have to analyse each decision in context and you will find a reason why. Each club has its own problems and sometimes you have to sell if you want to buy.

“I have a lot of respect for Keane because when he was here he was working hard and trying to do his best. The same with Peter. I was really pleased with their attitude.”

However, it’s the attitude of the players still at Anfield that will determine the fate of Liverpool – and perhaps that of Benitez.