Seven changes for Reds

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has made seven changes to the team beaten 6-3 at home by Arsenal in the midweek Carling Cup tie, with goalkeeper Jose Reina, defender Jamie Carragher, midfielder Xabi Alonso and forwards Dirk Kuyt and Peter Crouch all returning to the team.

Sami Hyypia, Fabio Aurelio, captain Steven Gerrard and Craig Bellamy were the only survivors from the team dismantled by Arsene Wenger’s young side at Anfield.

For Watford, Hameur Bouazza made a surprise return from a shoulder injury, with fit-again Gavin Mahon and in-demand forward Ashley Young also recalled to the starting XI.

Recent signing from Rotherham Will Hoskins was forced to settle for a place on the bench.

Watford: Foster, Mariappa, DeMerit, Mackay, Stewart, Smith, Mahon, Bangura, McNamee, Young, Bouazza.

Subs: Lee, Francis, Henderson, Doyley, Hoskins.

Liverpool: Reina, Agger, Hyypia, Carragher, Finnan, Alonso, Gerrard, Aurelio, Crouch, Bellamy, Kuyt.

Subs: Dudek, Riise, Fowler, Pennant, Guthrie.

Referee: M Clattenburg (Co Durham)