Mascherano to make Liverpool debut

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez makes seven changes from the side that famously beat Barcelona recently for the Premiership visit of Sheffield United.

Goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek comes in for his first league start of the season, Robbie Fowler his third and Javier Mascherano is handed his debut.

Villain-turned-hero Craig Bellamy is not even handed a place on the bench and neither is keeper Jose Reina, meaning Italy U21 international Daniele Padelli will be given a taste of action as a substitute.

Sheffield United are without suspended pair Keith Gillespie and Leigh Bromby while Rob Kozluk, Ahmed Fathi and Derek Geary come into the side from the team that won last time out against Tottenham.

Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Pennant, Gerrard, Mascherano, Gonzalez, Crouch, Fowler.

Replacements: Padelli, Agger, Alonso, Kuyt, Sissoko

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Geary, Jagielka, Lucketti, Armstrong, Kozluk, Tonge, Fathi, Montgomery, S. Quinn, Hulse.

Replacements: Davis, Morgan, Stead, A. Quinn, Kazim-Richards.

Referee: S Bennett (Kent)