Gerrard on the bench for Liverpool

Steven Gerrard took a rest on the substitutes bench as Champions League semi finalists Liverpool brought an otherwise strong-looking side to Fratton Park, with Milan Baros returning from suspension to join Spaniard Fernando Morientes in attack.

Portsmouth, victors in Liverpool’s two previous visits, were able to recall defenders Dejan Stefanovic and Matt Taylor after injuries but striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu was still missing and Diomansy Kamara deputised again.

Their rivals needed a win – and an Everton defeat by Manchester United – to regain fourth place in the Barclays Premiership but Pompey’s need was just as great to stay out of the relegation zone and extend new manager Alain Perrin’s unbeaten record.