Hamann dropped as Xabi starts for Rafa's Reds

Rafael Benitez left out German midfielder Dietmar Hamann to allow Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso to take over a central role against last season’s Champions League runners-up Monaco in Group A’s opener at Anfield.

Otherwise it was the same team which beat West Brom on Saturday with Chris Kirkland over his back problem and returning on the bench which also included Hamann, Milan Baros and Igor Biscan.

Injury and suspension hit Monaco, who have Javier Saviola banned and Ernesto Chevanton and Shabani Nonda out injured, and field Mohamed Kallon and Emmanuel Adebayor up front.