Benitez names three strikers for Gunners clash

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez sprang a surprise for this showdown of the only two unbeaten teams in the Barclays Premier League, by naming three strikers.

Fernando Torres returned from injury, but Dirk Kuyt and Andriy Voronin were also both in the starting line-up, with the Ukrainian likely to be on the left.

Xabi Alonso also returned from injury, leaving skipper Steven Gerrard to play his 400th game for the club on the right.

Arsenal, looking to win their 13th match on the trot, made just one change from the side that put seven past Slavia Prague in midweek. Theo Walcott dropped to the bench allowing Tomas Rosicky into the side.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Mascherano, Alonso, Gerrard, Voronin, Kuyt, Torres. Subs: Itandje, Benayoun, Crouch, Arbeloa, Babel.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue, Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, Rosicky, Adebayor. Subs: Lehmann, Diarra, Silva, Bendtner, Walcott.

Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)