Analysis:

During the past two days we have seen the big four - Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal all cleared their handicaps. So Liverpool will be aiming to clear it as well as they welcome Portsmouth currently bottom of the table.

A win for Liverpool would take them into 5th spot overtaking Manc hester City who could only managed a draw against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Tottenham is the one every other team is chasing for the fourth spot at the moment.

But don't take Portsm outh for granted. They may be at the bottom of the standings, but have already beaten Liverpool 2-0 when these two teams met at Fratton Park earlier this season. Both sides head into the clash on the back of two defeats in a row, but Pompey have yet to win at Anfield in the Premier League, going down 1-0 in last season's corresponding fixture.

As for the team news prior to this match, midfielder Yossi Benayoun will face a late fitness test ahead of the game. The Israel international missed the Europa League defeat in Lille on Thursday after injuring an ankle in the defeat to Wigan. However, fellow midfielder Maxi Rodriguez returns to the side after he was ineligib le for the Europa League. But the likes of Defenders Martin Skrtel (broken foot) and Fabio Aurelio (thigh) are still out injured.

Benitez could name an uncha nged lineup to the one that were beaten in France by Lille despite suffering back to back defeats. Alberto Aquilani could come back into the side and that could be the only change.

Meanwhile Glen Johnson looks set to retain his position at right-back after returning from injury against Wigan, with Daniel Agger set to partner Jamie Carragher at centre-half.

As for Portsmouth, Avram Grant welcomes back defender Ricardo Rocha from a two-game ban for this trip to Anfield. Right-back Anthony Vanden Borre is back in training as he recovers from a hamstring injury while Aaron Mokoena is also available after a knee problem.

However, the likes of Hassan Yebda and Kevin-Prince Boateng are away receiving treatment on knee and ankle injuries respectively. Meanwhile John Utaka is doubtful with a sore goin problem.

Striker Tommy Smith is back with light training after a lengthy absence through a groin problem but this match comes too soon for him .

Take Liverpool to win but by a goal here.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Liverpool 1-0

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Liverpool to win here. (main bet)

HANDICAP BETTING :

Possibly take Portsmouth and accept the 1 1/2 ball start.