Reds trio set for return

Xabi Alonso, Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera are expected to return to Liverpool’s starting line-up for Sunday’s home Barclays Premier League clash with Chelsea.

All three started on the bench for the midweek 1-1 draw at Wigan – although both Kuyt and Riera came on during the match – as manager Rafael Benitez rested key players ahead of the Chelsea showdown.

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres were substituted at the JJB Stadium with Benitez claiming they were tired, but both should start against Chelsea.

Provisional squad: Reina, Arbeloa, Skrtel, Agger, Hyypia, Carragher, Dossena, Aurelio, Benayoun, Babel, Alonso, Mascherano, Lucas, Gerrard, Riera, Torres, Kuyt, Keane, Cavalieri.