Crouch replaces Bellamy for Bolton clash

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez made four changes for the New Year's Day Premiership visit of Bolton with striker Craig Bellamy the most notable absentee.

The Wales striker was taken off during the 1-0 victory over Tottenham on Saturday complaining of a tight hamstring and had obviously not recovered sufficiently.

That meant Peter Crouch, whose future at Anfield has been subject to speculation in the last week, was brought in to partner Dirk Kuyt up front.

Sami Hyypia replaced Daniel Agger in central defence with Jermaine Pennant and Mark Gonzalez starting on either flank in place of Luis Garcia and Fabio Aurelio.

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce made just one change, Abdoulaye Meite dropping to the bench at the expense of Ricardo Gardner.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Pennant, Alonso, Gerrard, Gonzalez, Crouch, Kuyt.

Subs: Dudek, Agger, Fowler, Garcia, Aurelio.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Faye, Haim, Gardner, Campo, Nolan, Speed, Diouf, Anelka, Davies.

Subs: Habsi, Meite, Teimourian, Vaz Te, Tal.