Big guns return for Liverpool

Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Jose Reina all returned to Liverpool’s starting line-up for tonight’s Champions League clash against Inter Milan – one of the most important matches of manager Rafael Benitez’s reign.

The Spaniard’s position has come under increasing scrutiny after Saturday’s FA Cup exit to Barnsley, and the Reds boss made five changes from that losing side - the most significant being Torres’ reappearance after a hamstring injury.

Left-back Fabio Aurelio and Javier Mascherano were the others to return – with goalkeeper Charles Itandje, John Arne Riise, Yossi Benayoun, Xabi Alonso and Peter Crouch all dropped to the bench.

Inter boss Roberto Mancini made four changes to the team which beat Livorno 2-0 at the weekend to open up an 11-point gap at the top of Serie A.

His preferred striking partnership of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, joint top scorer in the Champions League with five goals, and Julio Cruz was restored after being rested for the league match.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Aurelio, Gerrard, Mascherano, Lucas, Babel, Kuyt, Torres.

Subs: Itandje, Riise, Benayoun, Alonso, Crouch, Pennant, Arbeloa.

Inter Milan: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Cordoba, Materazzi, Chivu, Zanetti, Stankovic, Cambiasso, Maxwell, Cruz, Ibrahimovic.

Subs: Toldo, Figo, Vieira, Burdisso, Crespo, Maniche, Suazo.

Referee: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium)