 RAFA BENITEZ is celebrating an anniversary, of sorts, this week. It's exactly 12 months since his Liverpool side was dubbed the worst for 50 years by one less than astute judge. The comments followed successive defeats to Burnley and Southampton, the second of which prompted a misguided inquisition into Benitez's understanding of the English game. Today, Benitez will face tough questions of a different flavour. "Is it still possible for Liverpool to win the title?" the Spanish boss will be asked. As usual, he'll neatly sidestep the answer, while inwardly concluding that the longer the inquiry persists this season, the more chance there is of a positive response. Sunday's trip to Old Trafford is an acidic test of Liverpool's championship credentials. In normal circumstances, a draw away to Manchester United would be acceptable. Others believe Chelsea's freakish lead means even this positive result would be tainted with regret. Benitez is dismayed by the suggestion a draw at Old Trafford would be unsatisfactory for his emerging side, and even shows rare signs of irritation when asked about Liverpool's championship chances. "We need to think about finishing in the top four," said Benitez, shrugging off the inevitable title question by underlining the word 'perspective'. "A year ago we were 24 points behind Manchester United and Arsenal. Top four is our ambition. After this game and this month, we'll know if we can fight for more. "Sometimes, if you set the target too high you make life more difficult for yourself. It's better to go step by step. "Yes, we know this is a very important game, but I'd rather draw this game and win the next six in a row than win and then have a bad run. "Why? Because it's always important never to lose points against the other teams near you at the top of the table. | 
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