Despite having faced Chelsea, Benítez believes his team's title credentials face their biggest test of the season so far at Fratton Park. Having watched the league leaders side fail to win any of their four Premiership away games after an international break last season, the Spaniard has challenged his players to prove that they have rid themselves of those old bad habits by winning on the south coast.
"This kind of game, after an international break and being unable to train properly, if we can beat them then people might talk about Liverpool being a contender this year, and maybe I'd agree with them," said Benítez. "Portsmouth are a difficult team to play against. They have a manager and players with experience, they know how to control games, they have quality and they always have confidence playing at home where their supporters are very good for them."
Benítez fielded a weakened side at Portsmouth last season before Liverpool's Champions League semi-final decider with Chelsea and paid the price by losing 2-1. Six of the side that started the game in April have since left and the Liverpool manager intends to field his strongest line-up against Harry Redknapp's team, despite next week's Champions League game with Porto in Portugal.
That is almost certain to mean further frustration for Peter Crouch, who has had a week to forget after losing his place in the England line-up to Wigan's Emile Heskey. Crouch has yet to start a league game this season as Benítez has opted for Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Andriy Voronin.
Yet Benítez, who has Jamie Carragher available after a rib injury, insists Crouch remains an important part of his plans.
"I think he understands that he must fight for his position. We'll hopefully play 60 games this season and he will have his chances. Thanks to Liverpool, Peter is playing more international games. I expect from him the same as he has given us for the last few seasons - working hard, playing well and scoring goals."