Mascherano on the bench for Reds

Liverpool winger Albert Riera returned to the starting line-up to face Hull at Anfield as manager Rafael Benitez made just one change from the side which beat West Ham 3-2 last weekend.

Midfielder Javier Mascherano dropped to the bench, which meant Steven Gerrard reverted to a deeper role.

Hull boss Phil Brown made four changes from the team beaten at home by Birmingham a week ago, with Kevin Kilbane, Kamel Ghilas, George Boateng and Liam Cooper all coming in.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Insua, Lucas, Gerrard, Benayoun, Kuyt, Riera, Torres.

Subs: Cavalieri, Voronin, Aurelio, Kyrgiakos, Babel, Mascherano, Ngog.

Hull: Myhill, McShane, Sonko, Cooper, Dawson, Geovanni, Boateng, Kilbane, Hunt, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Ghilas.

Subs: Warner, Barmby, Altidore, Marney, Zayatte, Cousin, Olofinjana.

Referee: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)