"If we win, it will be fantastic for everyone. We know how difficult it is but if we do our best and win, when the time comes for us to face Arsenal and Chelsea, who can say how close we will be? They know it's always going to be difficult for them when they come to Anfield," says Benitez.
"When you beat the big teams, nothing seems impossible for the rest of the season.
"When people talk about the gap of 19 points to United or 37 points to Chelsea, there is an immediate way to cut this.
"You can reduce the gap by six points in just one game. If we win, it's three points more to us compared to last year and three less for them. That gap can be reduced.
"If we had won against United home and away last season, for example, you're taking about a difference of 12 points, six for us, six less for them,
"That's why it's so important when two big clubs face each other and why there is always a rivalry. We know we are competing with each other for trophies."