Reds call on big guns for Cup clash

Rafael Benitez will revert to a strong line-up for Liverpool’s Carling Cup semi-final first leg against Watford at Anfield, having used youngsters and reserves in the earlier rounds.

Striker Milan Baros is back after a lengthy hamstring injury, while captain Steven Gerrard, who would have been rested on Friday had the FA Cup tie at Burnley not been called off, will also play against Watford.

New signing Mauricio Pellegrino has only had one training session since arriving from Valencia, and will not be involved.

Provisional squad: Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore, Biscan, Diao, Warnock, Potter, Nunez, Hamann, Gerrard, Luis Garcia, Riise, Mellor, Sinama-Pongolle, Baros, Harrison.