Rafa Benitez has handed fantasy managers a timely boost by stating that he intends to rotate his squad less in the coming months, according to comments on Liverpool’s official site today.

When asked whether he will keep his team selection more consistent now that Liverpool have exited both domestic cups, Benitez responded…

“I think so. It will depend on the players in the end, but we can keep some players playing more games now.”

The comment comes just as Liverpool enter a double fixture week with games against Bolton at the weekend and West Ham next Wednesday. They are vital games in Liverpool’s pursuit of fourth place and Rafa’s statement here would appear to offer reassurance that the likes of Gerrard, Carragher, Mascherano and Torres will turn out in both fixtures.

There are still doubts however, as to Rafa’s first choice defence now that he has Skrtel, Agger, Arbeloa, Aurellio, Hyypia, Carragher and perhaps Riise, fighting for places. Agger and Carragher would appear to be favourite to be his centre-back pairing for the bulk of the remaining games. Agger turned out for reserves and played 45-minutes last night but Saturday’s game could come too soon for him.