‘Rafatation’ becoming a thing of the past

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez could field the same starting XI for the third game in succession when the Anfield men visit West Ham tomorrow.

Liverpool have won their last three games after a difficult start to the campaign, and will want to extend their good recent form at the Boleyn Ground where they have won four of their last five matches and lost just one in seven.

Benitez has plenty of options, with Fabio Aurelio back from a knee injury while Javier Mascherano has recovered from a pelvic problem.

Ryan Babel is pushing for another chance after not starting a game since the first day of the season.

Defender Daniel Agger has returned to training after a back operation, but will not be considered.

Provisional squad: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Insua, Aurelio, Dossena, Benayoun, Mascherano, Gerrard, Lucas, Babel, Kuyt, Torres, Riera, Cavalieri, Voronin, Spearing.