Gerrard and Torres start for Liverpool

Liverpool have included both Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres in their starting line-up for their opening Champions League Group D clash in the Stade Velodrome tonight.

Both key players have been recovering from injury, and their inclusion is a major boost for the Anfield club.

Andrea Dossena comes into the side in place of calf-injury victim Fabio Aurelio, while Lucas takes over in midfield from Xabi Alonso.

Marseille – who won 1-0 in the Champions League last term at Anfield before losing the return 4-0 – include Hatem Ben Arfa, their £10million signing from Lyon, who had recovered from an ankle problem.

Skipper Lorik Cana also returns, having been rested at the weekend in the draw at Bordeaux.

Marseille: Mandanda, Bonnart, Zubar, Hilton, Taiwo, Cana, Cheyrou, Kone, M’Bami, Ben Arfa, Niang.

Subs: Riou, Ziani, Zenden, Kabore, Samassa, Erbate, Valbuena.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Skrtel, Carragher, Dossena, Gerrard, Mascherano, Leiva Lucas, Kuyt, Torres, Babel.

Subs: Cavalieri, Agger, Keane, Riera, Alonso, Benayoun, Degen.

Referee: Konrad Plautz (Austria)