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Rafa Benitez admits he "cannot win" when Newcastle United host his former club Liverpool at St James' Park next month in their final home match of the season.

The Reds are in a fierce Premier League title race with Manchester City, who they lead by two points at the top of the table, though Pep Guardiola's men still have a game in hand.

Some Liverpool fans have suggested that, now Newcastle are mathematically safe following their 3-1 win over Southampton on Saturday and the Reds' 2-0 victory over third-bottom Cardiff City on Saturday, Benitez would be willing to do his former club a favour.

It is likely that Liverpool will need to win all three of their remaining fixtures against Huddersfield Town, Newcastle and Wolverhampton Wanderers if they are going to stand any change of claiming their first title in 29 years.

Benitez, who agonisingly missed out on winning the Premier League for the Anfield club during the 2008/09 season as they were pipped by Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United, still maintains an excellent relationship with Liverpool fans, as well as a deep affection for the Reds.

But Benitez has stressed that he is a "professional", and therefore wants to manage Newcastle to victory in every game he can, regardless of the opposition and what is at stake for them.

However, the 59-year-old knows he will face criticism from a section of Liverpool fans if he ruins their title dreams, while some Man City supporters may accuse the Spaniard of aiding the Reds' trophy bid if Newcastle lose.

Yet Benitez insists that when United host Liverpool at St James' Park on May 4 - a fixture which was initially switched to the Sunday for TV, but has reverted back to a 7.45pm kick-off on the Saturday so it can be broadcast live on Sky Sports - he will send out a Newcastle side he is confident can win the game.

Asked about the upcoming Liverpool match during an interview with TalkSport following the 3-1 victory over Southampton: “That is a game that I can't win.

"If we win, they will say: 'Oh, [he should be helping us].' And, if you lose: 'Oh, he was not giving everything.'

“I will not talk too much about this game until it comes around. I was in Liverpool winning trophies. Why? Because I was professional and I was fighting against anyone.

“Some people will criticise me because I was fighting against Manchester United. It's my job to do the best for my team, and I will try to do the best for my team [against Liverpool], that's it.”