Albert Aquilani believes victory is imperative for Liverpool Football Club on Saturday.

The pressure continues to mount on Rafael Benitez following their FA Cup defeat in midweek, meaning a top-four finish in the Premier League is vital.

Having lost seven games already the Reds are five points off this spot at the moment, and Aquilani insists they must get three points at the Britannia Stadium.

Their cause hasn’t been helped by the injuries to star duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, but the Italian international knows they must cope without them.

“We have to be focused and try to play without them,” he told the official club site. “It's very hard for us but we have to carry on, keep trying. The game this weekend is very, very important for us.

“We have to do something to ensure we finish in the top four. We have won the last two games in the league and now Stoke City is important, very important.”

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