19.1.07 LFC vs Chelsea: Latest team news
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez must decide which of his
front-line strikers plays against Chelsea at Anfield.
Benitez used Dirk Kuyt, Peter Crouch and Craig Bellamy in last
weekend's 3-0 win at Watford, but he is unlikely to be as bold
against the champions.
Benitez also used three centre-backs at Watford but again is likely
to choose two from Jamie Carragher, Sami Hyypia and Daniel Agger.
Mark Gonzalez is back in contention, Rafa Benitez has
confirmed.
Bolo Zenden is back in training after a knee injury while Momo
Sissoko, Luis Garcia and Harry Kewell remain sidelined.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is without veteran France midfielder
Claude Makelele and England defender Wayne Bridge.
Makelele is suspended and his holding role is almost certain to be
handed to Mikel Jon Obi with Michael Essien continuing to partner
Ricardo Carvalho in the centre of defence in the absence of captain
John Terry.
Mourinho has been rocked by the loss of Bridge with knee ligament
damage which is expected to sideline him for two weeks.
Goalkeeper Petr Cech could make his first return since fracturing
his skull against Reading in October. Chelsea remain without Terry
(back), Joe Cole (foot) and Khalid Boulahrouz (knee).
Teams:
Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan,
Carragher, Agger, Hyypia, Riise, Aurelio, Pennant, Gonzalez,
Gerrard, Alonso, Bellamy, Crouch, Fowler, Kuyt, Dudek, Paletta,
Zenden, Guthrie.
Chelsea (from): Hilario, Cech, Cudicini,
Hedman, Geremi, Ferreira, Carvalho, Essien, A Cole, Lampard,
Ballack, Robben, Drogba, Shevchenko, Mikel, Diarra, Kalou,
Wright-Phillips.
