Pellegrino starts for Reds

Mauricio Pellegrino held his place in the heart of Liverpool’s defence for the Merseyside derby with Everton.

Pellegrino played in the midweek draw with Blackburn because Sami Hyypia had a stomach upset – but boss Rafael Benitez named the Finn on the bench to allow the big Argentinian a chance to cement himself into Liverpool’s first-choice side.

John Arne Riise, rested in midweek, returned on the left flank while Milan Baros and Fernando Morientes continued up front in a partnership which has so far failed to sparkle.

Everton brought back skipper Alan Stubbs in central defence after injury, with Joseph Yobo reverting to a holding midfield role as the Toffees continued with their tried and trusted 4-5-1 system.

James Beattie, back after a three-match ban, was on the bench along with Steve Watson – who has been out since December with a stomach muscle problem. James McFadden and Mikel Arteta failed fitness tests.