Big guns start for Reds

Under-pressure Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez named a strong side for the FA Cup replay against Luton at Anfield.

Benitez knew defeat was not an option after the shock admission from co-owner Tom Hicks that Jurgen Klinsmann had been approached as an “insurance policy” to become the next boss.

Jamie Carragher was named captain on his 500th appearance for the club while Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso were also in from the start.

League One side Luton received a boost ahead of the game with the news a deal had been agreed with a consortium led by television presenter Nick Owen to buy the club.

Liverpool: Itandje, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Pennant, Alonso, Gerrard, Babel, Crouch, Torres.

Subs: Martin, Kewell, Aurelio, Kuyt, Lucas.

Luton: Brill, Jackson, Hutchison, Keane, Goodall, Bell, Robinson, Spring, Currie, Andrew, Talbot.

Subs: Parkin, O’Leary, Emanuel, McVeigh, Furlong.

Referee: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)