Benitez makes four changes for Merseyside cup game

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez named a strong side for the 210th Merseyside derby against Everton in the fourth round of the FA Cup at Anfield today.

He made four changes from the team which drew 1-1 against the Toffees at the same venue six days ago in the Premier League, with right-back Alvaro Arbeloa returning after a long injury lay-off alongside Javier Mascherano, Andrea Dossena and Ryan Babel.

Striker Robbie Keane, who started on Monday, was not in the squad with young French forward David N’Gog named among the substitutes.

Everton’s one change from Monday was a significant one with creative midfielder Mikel Arteta injured in training and replaced by Segundo Castillo.

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

Subs: Cavalieri, Hyypia, Riera, Aurelio, Benayoun, Leiva Lucas, Ngog.

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Anichebe, Castillo, Neville, Osman, Pienaar, Cahill.

Subs: Nash, Yobo, Van der Meyde, Jacobsen, Rodwell, Jutkiewicz, Gosling.

Referee: Steve Bennett (Kent)