Gerrard on standby

Steven Gerrard stands by to start his first match since being publicly criticised by Gerard Houllier in the Uefa Cup third-round, first-leg tie against Vitesse Arnhem.

The midfielder could be ready to return against the Dutch side, having being dropped against Sunderland and then coming on as a second-half substitute at the weekend in the defeat at Fulham.

But defender Stephane Henchoz is still a doubt following his calf operation and is more likely to play against Manchester United on Sunday despite travelling to Holland with the squad.

Goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek has been left sweating on whether he will hold his place after a string of recent errors with Chris Kirkland standing by.