Benitez switches side for Boro clash

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez made five changes from the team which drew in the Champions League at Chelsea for this Anfield clash against a side also fighting for European qualification.

Only Igor Biscan (hamstring) was enforced, with Milan Baros and Djimi Traore not even on the bench.

Sami Hyypia and Luis Garcia were among the substitutes with Harry Kewell, Mauricio Pellegrino, Fernando Morientes, Ant-nio Nunez and Stephen Warnock coming into the team as Benitez attempted another balancing act with Tuesday’s second leg against Chelsea on his mind.

Boro captain Gareth Southgate (head) and midfielder George Boateng (foot) both passed late fitness tests and manager Steve McClaren was able to name the side which drew at Newcastle in midweek.

Liverpool v Middlesbrough Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Pellegrino, Warnock, Nunez, Alonso, Gerrard, Riise, Morientes, Kewell.

Subs: Hyypia, Cisse, Luis Garcia, Hamann, Carson.

Middlesbrough: Jones, Davies, Ehiogu, Southgate, Queudrue, Boateng, Nemeth, Doriva, Parlour, Zenden, Hasselbaink.

Subs: Knight, Downing, Reiziger, Parnaby, Morrison.