Rafa wary of Bent threat

Rafa Benitez is wary of the threat 20-goal Darren Bent will pose when Sunderland visit Anfield on Sunday.

The striker has fired 20 times in 31 Premier League appearances so far this term and Benitez knows his defenders will have to be at their best if Liverpool are to avenge October's 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light.

"Bent is a good player," the boss told Liverpoolfc.tv. "He's always thinking about scoring and it could be a problem for us. Twenty goals in the Premier League is a fantastic achievement.

"They have some other good players and they showed good team spirit in the game in October. I think they're improving a little bit now so it will be dangerous.

"They will be working hard, they'll try to be organised and push and press and play counter-attack. But playing at Anfield makes a big difference for us and we'll have to play well in front of our fans."

It was Bent who scored the winner back in October with a little help from a beach ball which had strayed on to the pitch.

Benitez added: "It was a pity. It was a difficult situation, a big mistake that cost us the rest of the game. We have had some problems this season but to change your luck you need to work hard."

Video: The 'beach ball goal'>>