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Benitez given Liverpool backing

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 26/10/2009
Football betting

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been told his job is safe whatever happens this season.

Benitez has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks following his side's below-par start to the new season.

The Reds have lost their last four games in all competitions and find themselves languishing down in eighth place in the Premier League table.

But speaking ahead of Sunday's showdown with sportsbook favourites Manchester United, managing director Christian Purslow has given Benitez his full backing.

Purslow also insists that both skipper Steven Gerrard and star striker Fernando Torres are not for sale at any price despite continuing reports of a lack of cash at Anfield.

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Meanwhile, Paulton Rovers of the Southern League will face Norwich City in the first round of the FA Cup.

The non-league club from near Bristol earned their place in the hat after defeating Chippenham 3-0 in Saturday's fourth qualifying round.

Fellow Southern League club Stourbridge have been a handed local derby against Walsall.

Blue Square North outfit Northwich Victoria will take on Charlton Athletic, while Colchester must travel to Blue Square South Bromley.

Fellow non-league sides York City, Gateshead, Sutton and Nuneaton have been drawn at home to Crewe, Brentford, Hereford and Exeter City respectively.

In rugby union, England's injury jinx has struck again after Harlequins number eight Nick Easter joined Leicester prop Julian White on the sidelines.

White will definitely miss England's autumn internationals and joins fellow props Phil Vickery and Andrew Sheridan as well as hooker Lee Mears in the treatment room after picking up his injury during the Tigers' defeat to London Irish on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Meanwhile, Easter hobbled off during Quins' 26-22 Guinness Premiership win over Worcester.

The 27-times capped number eight is now a major doubt for England's games against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.

Elsewhere, Team principal Ross Brawn is '99 per cent' certain that world champion Jenson Button will still be driving for Brawn GP next season.

Button won the title at Brazil last weekend but his future at the Brackley-based team has been the subject of much debate as his current contract expires at the end of the season.

McLaren have been linked with a move for the Briton, who has declared his own aim to stay at Brawn GP.

Team boss Brawn is also hoping to retain Button and he believes that a new contract is close to being agreed.

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