RAFAEL BENITEZ admits Liverpool have no margin for error in their quest for Champions League qualification.

The Anfield outfit could move back into the top four for the first time since October with victory at home to Everton in today’s 213th Merseyside derby.

A run of six Premier League games without defeat – which includes victories over near rivals Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur – has propelled Benitez’s side back into the race for a top-four berth.

However, while only goal difference separates them from fourth-placed Tottenham, both Manchester City and Villa can surpass Liverpool with games in hand.

And with their top-flight destiny out of his team’s hands, Benitez acknowledges this afternoon’s derby is “very special” because it must be won.

“Every game for us now is important,” said the Spaniard. “When you’re not in a very good position, you know that every game will be crucial.

“Every derby is different, you can find similarities but every one is different, the players, the positions, the atmosphere, because one team wins and so it is more important for them or if you lose, it is more important for you.

“This one will be very special because we have to win.”

Liverpool follow today’s game with a trip to Arsenal on Wednesday before a potentially pivotal visit to Manchester City a fortnight tomorrow.

And Benitez added: “It’s true we don’t have much margin for error. We know City have two games in hand, Tottenham are there, Villa have one game in hand so we cannot make too many mistakes.

“We have to keep winning our games, because we will play Arsenal then City, so we can reduce the gap or we will have more problems.

“But if we win we will have more confidence and we will have to keep the team working very hard until the end.

“I think Arsenal finished fourth in the last week against Tottenham (in 2006) so it is something that we have to consider if it’s necessary. Hopefully not.”