ESPN Soccernet Preview: Liverpool v Birmingham

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Liverpool's match with Birmingham on Monday night has become one of the most important of Rafa Benitez's career. Throughout his time at Anfield, the Spaniard has been able to rely on European distractions to take attention away from the fact that their push for the Premier League title has not been successful; however, a late equaliser against Lyon in the Champions League made sure that all eyes will be focused on how Rafa's men bounce back.

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Rafael Benitez tries to change things in France on Wednesday night

With three defeats in their last four Premier League games, Liverpool are a wounded animal and are still missing the inspiration of Steven Gerrard in midfield. Birmingham will be aware that they may never have a better chance to beat the Reds at Anfield and will certainly be encouraged by the performances of their playing against Manchester City in last week's 0-0 draw.

Many may claim that Benitez could be sacked if Liverpool lose, but the reality is that the club are just four points off third spot (although they have played one game more) and he should last at least another month (after travelling to Everton, perhaps?). Birmingham boss Alex McLeish will be wary of backing them into a corner, but will also want to exploit the situation at Anfield to pull his side clear of the relegation battle.

Liverpool player in focus: Dirk Kuyt. With Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres struggling with injuries, Kuyt needs to step up and produce more than just his trademark workhorse performance. Played on the wing, the Dutchman has the ability to play as a central striker and his impact in the final third could be important to the cause as he looks to give support to the lone frontman. A goal return of three this season needs to improve.

Birmingham player in focus: Roger Johnson. A £5 million summer signing from Cardiff in the summer, Johnson has started every one of Birmingham's games this season. The defender has shown commitment and determination to stop the opposition - none more so than his terrific block against City - and has been a key component of a Blues' defence that has only conceded 12 goals so far. The league's fifth best defence will have to be at their best, though, to stop Torres and company.

Key battle: Glen Johnson vs. James McFadden. With Philipp Degen, Martin Kelly and Jamie Carragher all out, Johnson could be thrown into the action despite not being fully fit. He is back in training but his lack of fitness could be exploited by the canny Scot. Indeed, McFadden has made a name for himself as one of the best creative players in the league and should prove a constant threat cutting in from the left. With Liverpool's injury crisis providing precious few options, McFadden will fancy his chances.

Tactics: Liverpool have a tried and tested system of a holding midfielder and lone striker, and don't look like changing despite their injury woes. With Jamie Carragher suspended and a host of injury woes, the club are not at their strongest and Birmingham may look to expose the lack of pace on the flanks. The Blues will most likely match up man-for-man against Liverpool as they are away from home and should look to overwhelm Rafa's men in the centre of the park.

Quotes: Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez on Alberto Aquilani: "We have more players available now, so maybe he can be on the bench and then come on to change the game if necessary. He will certainly be involved."

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish on the Blues' start: "I think it gives players entitlement to believe in themselves. They have played some good football this season. I don't know how the Birmingham fans feel about our overall season, but I'm sure that they have seen some pretty decent football from the team regardless of what system we've played from the first kick of the season to this very moment.''

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Barry Ferguson is missing after being sent off against Man City.

In the news: While hundreds of column inches are written about Rafa Benitez's possible exit, Steven Gerrard has come out and said what every pundit has been banging on about for weeks: that Liverpool miss Xabi Alonso. The Reds' skipper claimed he was ''devastated'' by the departure of the Spanish midfielder and reckons it will take some time before he is ''out of our system''.

Liverpool Team News: Steven Gerrard is still out with a groin injury, while Fernando Torres is struggling, but should still play. Glen Johnson has been training and Martin Skrtel (virus) and Fabio Aurelio (calf) are back in the squad. Jamie Carragher and Phillipp Degen are both suspended after their red cards. Alberto Aquilani and Stephen Darby may be called into action if needed.

Birmingham Team News: No Barry Ferguson after the midfielder was given a second yellow card for a stupid block on a throw-in against Man City. Martin Taylor and Giovanny Espinoza both have ankle knocks, while Teemu Tainio is struggling with a knee complaint. Winger Keith Fahey is battling to overcome a knock to his knee in training but striker Garry O'Connor is still troubled by a groin problem.

Probable Liverpool line-up (4-5-1): Reina, Insua, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson, Mascherano, Lucas, Benayoun, Babel, Kuyt, Torres.

Probable Birmingham line-up (4-5-1): Hart, Ridgewell, Dann, Johnson, Carr, Bowyer, Carsley, Fahey, Larsson, McFadden, Benitez.

Soccernet prediction: Birmingham have lost four out of their last five on the road and, even without some of his big names, Rafael Benitez should have enough in the tank to see off the Blues.