Rafael Benitez's position as manager came under further scrutiny last night as the seven-time FA Cup winners were dumped out of the competition by Reading, who are languishing in the lower depths of the second tier of English football.

The Spaniard was already under pressure following his side's poor league form and early exit from the Champions League.

Pundits and former players have been lining up to insist the former Valencia boss should be sacked and he will have to overcome a determined Stoke team looking for their third straight win if he is to stem the tide of criticism flowing his way.

Carragher has been a key part of Benitez's team since the 49-year-old took over at Anfield and he is demanding a major improvement against the Potters.

"We have got to do better and we have got to recover," said the 31-year-old.

"There are still four months left of the season; it's been tough and this result has made it a little bit tougher for us.

"But we are Liverpool. We can't be where we are and we have got to improve. Liverpool Football Club demands certain standards. At the moment we are not reaching them and we know that but we have all got to come as one and stick together."

Benitez's misery deepened at the news today that Steven Gerrard (hamstring), Yossi Benayoun (rib) and Fernando Torres (knee) all face spells on the sidelines.

Carragher will now lead the side out in Gerrard's absence and admits Saturday's match could be one of their most important of the season.

"We've got a massive game coming up against Stoke now. It will be very tough, as we played extra-time (against Reading), and we have got to show enormous character to come back," Carragher said.

League leaders Chelsea will look to extend their one-point advantage over Manchester United with a win against Sunderland.

The club's top scorer, Didier Drogba, is at the African Nations Cup so youngster Daniel Sturridge will be hoping to add to the two goals he scored against Watford in the FA Cup in Drogba's absence.

Should the Blues slip up, United will feel confident of beating Burnley, who made Brian Laws their shock appointment as manager this week, at Old Trafford.

Laws was sacked as Sheffield Wednesday manager last month and is hopeful of starting his reign with a surprise win.

"The pressure is on them. Nobody is expecting us to get anything out of it," said Laws.

"We can play with freedom and no fear, and you never know, it might just get us a result."

United's neighbours Manchester City will be looking for their fifth straight win under Roberto Mancini when they take on Everton in Saturday's evening kick-off.

Should City beat the Toffees they will close the gap on third-placed Arsenal, who face a tricky clash at Bolton in Owen Coyle's first game in charge at the Reebok Stadium.

Hull could climb out of the bottom three with a win at Tottenham, rock bottom Portsmouth face Birmingham, and Wolves play Wigan in the rest of Saturday's games, while Blackburn host Fulham and West Ham travel to Aston Villa on Sunday.