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.