Rafa Benitez has rejected calls from relegation threatened Bolton to play his strongest team and 2nd from bottom Fulham.

The Bolton manager Gary Megson said Benitez “should retain the integrity of the Premier League with his squad selection.”

Liverpool lost to Fulham at the same stage of last season after Benitez rested several key players - and he was criticised by Sheffield United, who were subsequently relegated, for his team selection.

However Benitez , with a view on Tuesday’s Champions League tie with Chelsea said;

I have players I don’t want to risk and I’ve enough quality in the squad to win at Fulham.

I know there was criticism last season when we did something similar at Fulham, coming from Sheffield United.

But what did they do in their last game? They lost. So I feel it is sometimes better to look to yourself and what you do.

Teams have 38 games to play each season, that is enough. So you are responsible for your own luck.

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