Benitez gives Aquilani first start

Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani was finally handed a place in Liverpool’s starting line-up for this evening’s Barclays Premier League visit of Wolves.

The £20m summer signing from Roma, who has so far only managed substitute appearances in the league for the Reds, was included by Rafael Benitez after recovering from a calf injury.

Liverpool also recalled Fabio Aurelio and Yossi Benayoun, with Dirk Kuyt rested to the bench. Javier Mascherano missed out through suspension, while Andrea Dossena was dropped from the matchday squad.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy, who controversially made 10 changes to his team for the trip to Manchester United 11 days ago, fielded at unchanged line-up from the one that beat Burnley last weekend.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Insua, Aquilani, Lucas, Benayoun, Gerrard, Aurelio, Torres.

Subs: Cavalieri, Kuyt, Ngog, Spearing, Darby, Skrtel, Pacheco.

Wolverhampton: Hahnemann, Stearman, Craddock, Berra, Ward, Foley, Henry, Milijas, Jarvis, Ebanks-Blake, Doyle.

Subs: Hennessey, Elokobi, Surman, Iwelumo, Mancienne, Maierhofer, Castillo.

Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands)