Benitez rings changes

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez made seven changes from the side that lost to Crystal Palace in the Carling Cup in midweek.

Back came Jose Reina, Steve Finnan, John Arne Riise, Djibril Cisse, Xabi Alonso, Mohamed Sissoko and Jamie Carragher. Peter Crouch was on the bench, with Fernando Morientes preferred up front.

Anton Ferdinand and Yossi Benayoun were playing for West Ham after injuries and loan forward David Bellion was given his full Premiership debut for the club. Teddy Sheringham was consigned to the bench.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Luis Garcia, Gerrard, Alonso, Sissoko, Cisse, Morientes. Subs: Crouch, Hamann, Carson, Warnock, Zenden.

West Ham: Carroll, Repka, Ferdinand, Gabbidon, Konchesky, Benayoun, Reo-Coker, Mullins, Etherington, Bellion, Harewood. Subs: Bywater, Dailly, Sheringham, Collins, Aliadiere.

Referee: U Rennie (S Yorkshire)