But he warned supporters to be patient, as the Reds seek to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the third time in his four seasons in charge.

Dirk Kuyt's away goal in the 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Emirates last week has given Liverpool the luxury of knowing they will advance if they stop the Gunners from scoring at Anfield.

But Benitez believes it would be perilous to allow that to dictate his side's approach to a match that will define both clubs' seasons.

'We have confidence, but we know they have quality, that they can play well away and are dangerous on the counter-attack,' the Spaniard declared.

'It is very difficult to play for a 0-0 draw. I don't know how to do it.'

Having also battled to a 1-1 stalemate in a League match on Saturday, both sides will be feeling the effects of fatigue as a tough season enters its critical phase.

On paper, Benitez's men should have the slightly fresher legs, the Spaniard having rested eight of his starting XI from the first leg for Saturday's match.

But he believes the damage Liverpool did to Arsenal's Premier League title hopes with the draw will cancel out any marginal edge his side may have.

This is because of the additional motivation their opponents will have as they pursue what is their last realistic chance of silverware this season.

'Maybe the only option now for them is the Champions League, which means they will be more dangerous for us,' Benitez said.

Despite his repeated warnings about Arsenal's attacking qualities, he believes his side should be capable of exploiting the twin advantages they have.

One is playing at home and the second is having opponents who are obliged to commit men forward in pursuit of a goal.

'I think the hard part has been done, but we also know we have to respect Arsenal,' he said.

'They showed in the last round, when they drew at home against AC Milan and won 2-0 in the San Siro, that they can win at difficult places.

'Our fans have a big role to play for us.

'It is natural for them to want us to attack because we are at home, but we will also have to be careful because of the way Arsenal play.

'We need the fans to make it a great atmosphere, but we also need them to be patient.'

With Liverpool on the verge of writing another chapter in the club's illustrious European history, Benitez could not resist a sideswipe at the critics of his policy of rarely fielding the same line-up in consecutive matches.

Many observers believe the Spaniard's early-season tinkering compromised the club's chances of mounting a serious challenge in the Premier League.

But Benitez believes that it is no accident that his squad have looked strong at a time when the wheels have been coming off Arsenal's campaign.

'I have always said that when Sir Alex Ferguson rests players at Manchester United, he is changing his team,' he said.

'Yet, when I do it, I am rotating.

'I explained earlier in the season that if a team want to win trophies, then it is important for the manager to use all of his squad.

'I wanted us to be alive in all the competitions.

'We can only win the Champions League now, but we have a good chance because the players have all had a rest.

'At the Emirates, we got the result because the players were all able to work at their peak until the last minute.'

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE