“They are good at home. Maybe in the last two games they haven’t been at their level because I think they’re maybe thinking about the Europa League and that makes them even more dangerous.

“We will see a team with great motivation because they’re playing Liverpool and it’s an important competition for them.

“We have to be really focused. We cannot make the same mistakes as we did on Monday.

“We have to go, score and try to win if we can.”

Glen Johnson could make his first start after making his comeback from a knee injury as a second half substitute at Wigan.

It was the England right-back’s first appearance since December and his return to the starting line up would enable Javier Mascherano to revert back to his usual midfield role.

“Johnson can be an important player for us for the rest of the season,” Benitez said.

“It was clear he still hasn’t got the match fitness but at least he showed his quality. He was going forward and it’s a different option in the side.”

Meanwhile, Wigan chairman Dave Whelan believes Liverpool’s fans deserve better after Monday’s defeat at the DW Stadium delivered a major blow to hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Whelan insists co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks have played a big part in the club’s struggles this season.

“The big sympathy I have is for the Liverpool supporters because they are a fantastic lot,” Whelan said.

“Liverpool are in a mess. The owners, being American, I don’t think they feel what we (British club owners) feel.

“I’m really, really sorry for their supporters. We went to Anfield earlier in the season and there’s absolutely no atmosphere and no heart at all at present.

“The supporters feel that and I think the players are starting to feel it.”