Liverpool's annual Premier League meeting with Everton at Anfield on Monday could scarcely have come at a worse time for the Reds. Meetings between the city rivals are often combative and tense affairs, but Liverpool is under even more pressure than usual because Manchester United has gone nine games unbeaten to close to within two points of the longtime Premier League leader. Liverpool's players could be affected by manager Rafa Benitez's apparent refusal of a new contract and, with United at Bolton on Saturday, could be requiring victory to regain first place from the Red Devils. “There is pressure on us and you can expect that because we've not won the title for so many years,” Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso said. “We know we can't afford to drop points, especially at home. “It's important for us not to lose focus, keep as calm as possible and only think about the next game.” Liverpool is chasing its first title since 1990 but has drawn five of its past eight Premier League matches to allow in-form United to close the gap. With United having won 10 titles in the past 18 years, the Red Devils are just one short of Liverpool's record 18 championships - putting even more pressure on a group of players with almost no experience of challenging at the top of the table. The need for victory could mean Benitez starts star striker Fernando Torres for the first time since November. Everton is in sixth place after five wins and a draw from its past six matches and could move level with fifth-place Arsenal with a first victory at Anfield since 1999. Arsenal is at Hull, seeking to atone for a shock 2-1 loss to the Tigers in September. United can go top for the first time this season with victory at Bolton but will have to do it without Wayne Rooney, who is out for three weeks after injuring his hamstring in Wednesday's 1
