By Mighty Reds
April 26 2006

The result tonight won’t give any clues about the cup final says Rafa Benitez as the Reds manager looked ahead to tonight’s league game against the Hammers at Upton Park. Benitez said:

"It's one of those things which happens sometimes in football where teams play in a league game just before a Cup match," said Benitez.

"It's a game we have to play and we will go there looking to win, but I don't think the result will give any clues about the Cup final.

"They will probably rest some players because they are in a good league position and will want to make sure their best players are fit for the final.

"West Ham are a good team. They have a good spirit among them, they play good football and they have deserved their success this season."

With three league games still to play Rafa is confident his team won’t be distracted by thoughts of Cardiff.

"The players know how important our remaining league games are,"

"Some of them will want to play well because they have the World Cup to get ready for at the end of the season and they all know how important is is to continue picking up points.

"We're still going for second place and that's where we'll look to finish if it's possible. It won't be easy because Manchester United are a good side and they keep on winning games but we'll keep fighting.

"We have to manage the squad properly before the final and it is true I may look to rest some players. It depends on the training sessions and how fit the players are. We have three games to play before Cardiff and we will look to win them all."

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