Gerrard and Torres back for Reds

Liverpool v Blackburn

Liverpool’s star duo Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres returned, as expected, to the starting line-up as manager Roy Hodgson reverted to his strongest team for the crucial Barclays Premier League clash at home to Blackburn.

Hodgson made seven changes from the side which earned a creditable 0-0 draw against Napoli in the Europa League on Thursday, with Raul Meireles, Joe Cole, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Maxi Rodriguez and Lucas Leiva also coming back.

Glen Johnson failed to recover from an ankle injury so Carragher continued in the right-back slot he occupied for last Sunday’s Merseyside derby defeat at Goodison Park.

Blackburn made one enforced change, with midfielder David Dunn making only his second start since the opening day of the season at the expense of the suspended Chris Samba.