London - Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has called on his side to make sure they are still head of the domestic pack when European competition resumes in February.

They lead the Premier League by a point, but the big question mark over them is the depth of their squad, and Benitez knows that the next few weeks, in the gap between the Champions League group stage and the start of the knockouts, is critical.

"We now have almost three months to concentrate on the Premier League, and the FA Cup," he told reporters.

"We would want to go back into Europe next year still top of the table.

"We have qualified for the next stage in Europe, we are top of the Premier League, and now we concentrate on domestic considerations.

"We do not want to give up top spot, if we are still there when we start up again in Europe, the chances of a really good season will be obvious."

That begins on Saturday with the visit of Hull City, who ended a run of six games without a win by beating Middlesbrough last weekend.

Liverpool will again be without injured forward Fernando Torres, and the strength of their title challenge may depend on how well they can survive until his return in the New Year.

Chelsea, a point behind Liverpool at the top of the table, host struggling West Ham United, now managed by the former Chelsea hero Gianfranco Zola.

The Blues have struggled to break teams down this season, but the return of forward Didier Drogba from injury and suspension should give them an extra dimension.

"It's a big, big quality back - because you see, especially at home, that teams are very defensive against us and close up the middle," midfielder Michael Ballack told reporters.

"We have to change our style, and Didier is a player who can always change the game. He needs one chance and makes the difference."

Manchester United, five points further back, travel to Tottenham Hotspur desperate to stay in touch before they head off to Japan for the Club World Championship.

At the other end, managerless Sunderland look to end a run of seven defeats in eight as they host bottom side West Bromwich Albion, while Blackburn Rovers, who have lost their last five, go to Wigan Athletic. (dpa)