Owen returns against Fulham

Fulham v Liverpool 2pm

Michael Owen was back in the Liverpool line-up this afternoon as Gerard Houllier’s men took on the Barclaycard Premiership’s form team Fulham at Loftus Road.

The England striker recovered from a swollen ankle to start in west London alongside former Fulham right-back Steve Finnan.

For Chris Coleman’s side – shock 3-1 winners at Manchester United last weekend - Mark Crossley made his league debut in goal as Edwin van der Sar was ruled out with a groin problem.

Fulham: Crossley, Bonnissel, Melville, Volz, Knight, Pembridge, Clark, Legwinski, Malbranque, Boa Morte, Saha.

Subs: Beasant, Hayles, Djetou, Sean Davis, Buari.

Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Hyypia, Biscan, Traore, Smicer, Murphy, Gerrard, Kewell, Heskey, Owen.

Subs: Kirkland, Henchoz, Hamann, Le Tallec, Sinama Pongolle.

Referee: R Styles (Hampshire)