Rafa Benitez prepares for West Ham and Leeds

Rafael Benitez has revealed just how hard Liverpool were hit by the two early-season defeats which instantly halted all title talk on Merseyside. Now the Reds boss is aiming for a fourth successive victory when West Ham host an Anfield side with renewed confidence. Liverpool were beaten by Tottenham and Aston Villa in the opening three Barclays Premier League games, and Benitez said: "It was hard to take when we lost two games so quickly. "But now if we can, say, win five in a row and other teams drop a few points then we will all be in the same position. Let's see how it all develops." Benitez has no new injury problems, and has defender Daniel Agger returning to training after a back operation.

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ITN | September 19, 2009

Tags:. .agger. .anfield. .rafa. .halted. .leeds