Alonso to start for Reds

Liverpool made one change from the side that fought back to beat Fulham 4-2 on Saturday, and not surprisingly it was the return to the starting line-up of Spanish star Xabi Alonso, who masterminded the comeback as a half-time substitute at Craven Cottage.

Steve Finnan and Harry Kewell returned to the bench after illness and sickness respectively, for a Group A Champions League match they really have to win as their home games start running out.

Victory would also virtually end Deportivo’s interest in this season’s competition, having reached the semi-finals last term.

Deportivo, who won at Real Madrid a fortnight ago and got themselves up to seventh in La Liga on Saturday with a win over Getafe, are coming out of an early season drop in form.

That coincides with the return to the side of veteran Brazilian Mauro Silva and Argentinian colleague Aldo Duscher.

Rafael Benitez will need no reminding his countrymen have a habit of beating top English sides – just ask Arsenal and Manchester United.