Benitez adds muscle for Villa clash

After a week of behind-the-scenes turmoil following defeat at Manchester United, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez changed his side for the 99th time in succession but came up with about the strongest possible line-up.

Benitez’s demeanour after an un-named director sounded off about the Spanish manager’s style, and with rumours persisting of Steven Gerrard’s concerns about his role in the side, would improve with a victory over previously unbeaten Aston Villa.

Dirk Kuyt recovered from a calf injury which meant Robbie Fowler was on the bench while Craig Bellamy failed to get over his own calf problem. For Villa, Gavin McCann is still out injured while Thomas Sorensen returned after a shoulder problem. Teenager Isaiah Osbourne made only his second league appearance in midfield.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Gerrard, Alonso, Sissoko, Luis Garcia, Kuyt, Crouch. Subs: Martin, Agger, Fowler, Pennant, Zenden.

Aston Villa: Sorensen, Hughes, Mellberg, Ridgewell, Bouma, Agbonlahor, Petrov, Osbourne, Barry, Angel, Baros. Subs: Taylor, Laursen, Davis, Sutton, Agathe.

Referee: S Bennett (Kent)