Crouch set for rare start

Peter Crouch seems set to start only his sixth game of the season for Liverpool at home to Cardiff in the Carling Cup fourth round tomorrow.

The big striker impressed as a second-half substitute in Sunday’s draw with Arsenal, and could be joined in the action by Harry Kewell.

The Australian is now back in full training after a groin problem, and could get his first run out of the season.

Boss Rafael Benitez is also likely to use second choice goalkeeper Charles Itandje, Lucas, Sebastian Leto and Fabio Aurelio. Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano, Jermaine Pennant and Xabi Alonso are all injured.

Provisional squad: Itandje, Finnan, Carragher, Arbeloa, Aurelio, Kewell, Lucas, Sissoko, Benayoun, Babel, Leto, Crouch, Voronin, Kuyt, Gerrard, Riise, Hobbs, Martin.