Crouch and Fowler up front for Reds

Peter Crouch started the 204th Merseyside derby for Liverpool despite suggestions in the build-up to the game that he could be rested after scoring England’s winner in Macedonia on Wednesday.

The in-form striker partnered Robbie Fowler in attack with Craig Bellamy not even in the squad, possibly with a Champions League game in Eindhoven and next weekend’s trip to Chelsea in mind.