Rafa Benitez has challenged his players to earn their places against Real Madrid when Sunderland visit Anfield tonight.
The boss is hoping for a reaction against Ricky Sbragia's side following the 2-0 defeat in Middlesbrough.
A victory this evening could elevate Liverpool back above second-placed Chelsea, who travel to Portsmouth, while it would also lift spirits at Melwood ahead of next Tuesday's Champions League second round return against Real.
Benitez said: "I think that it is important for the players to understand that we are now checking everyone and analysing everything so they have to prove in every training session and in every game that they are ready for playing against Real Madrid.
"We are thinking about the Champions League as a major opportunity to win a trophy and the game coming up against Madrid as a chance to be in the next round where we want to be."
He added: "The important thing is always about getting three points from the next game and in this case it is at home against Sunderland.
"If we do win then we can see what the situation is in the table but for us the challenge is to approach every game thinking about winning.
"I think we have improved but we need to show this and we need to prove this until the end of the season.
"We have to keep on going and see if we can take three points in this game and then see what happens with United.
"The fact that this game has come very, very soon is positive for us."
A victory this evening could elevate Liverpool back above second-placed Chelsea, who travel to Portsmouth, while it would also lift spirits at Melwood ahead of next Tuesday's Champions League second round return against Real.
Benitez said: "I think that it is important for the players to understand that we are now checking everyone and analysing everything so they have to prove in every training session and in every game that they are ready for playing against Real Madrid.
"We are thinking about the Champions League as a major opportunity to win a trophy and the game coming up against Madrid as a chance to be in the next round where we want to be."
He added: "The important thing is always about getting three points from the next game and in this case it is at home against Sunderland.
"If we do win then we can see what the situation is in the table but for us the challenge is to approach every game thinking about winning.
"I think we have improved but we need to show this and we need to prove this until the end of the season.
"We have to keep on going and see if we can take three points in this game and then see what happens with United.
"The fact that this game has come very, very soon is positive for us."
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