Rafa: We've got what it takes

The Reds travel to the JJB Stadium in search of the win that will take them level on points with Manchester United at the top of the Premier League, and their manager believes he has seen enough in recent days to suggest they can get the victory they need.

Although disappointed at Liverpool’s three draws in their last trio of games, Benitez says Sunday’s improved display against Everton in the FA Cup added to his feeling that confidence and form are returning to his side.

“Clearly we have to win games,” he admitted.

“Not just now, always – when you are towards the top of the table every single game is important.

“But I think we showed the other day against Everton that we were much better.

“We had a lot of confidence, we had a lot of possession and we had control of the game.

“If we keep playing this way then I am sure that we will win games.

“This is an opportunity for us.

"We are playing away with the same confidence we had the other day and now we just have to make sure we take the chances that we create.”

Wigan gave Liverpool a real run for their money when they visited Anfield earlier this season on a day when the Reds came back from 2-1 down to eventually edge a five goal thriller.

Steve Bruce’s improving side are hoping to taste their first ever victory against a big four club and Benitez knows tonight’s clash will be another tough test.

But the Spaniard has faith in his own team to deliver what would be a crucial victory following United’s easy win over West Brom last night.

He added: “Wigan have some good players and they gave us a difficult game earlier in the season when Zaki scored a fantastic goal.

“They have confidence and they have decent form at home so we know it will be a tough game.

“Physically they are strong and they also have some players with quality but again I must stress the quality and confidence that we have.

“You can see in training sessions that the players are very confident that we can do important things this year.”