Flanagan in for Liverpool

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish handed a first-team debut to 18-year-old defender John Flanagan for Manchester City’s visit to Anfield.

The reserve-team right-back, who has been an unused substitute in three Europa League matches this season, was drafted in as one of two changes as a result of defensive injuries sustained in the defeat at West Brom just over a week ago.

Fabio Aurelio returned on the left of the back four having not played since the victory over Manchester United on March 6 with Daniel Agger (knee) and Glen Johnson (hamstring) both ruled out, the former for the rest of the season.

City boss Roberto Mancini made three changes from the side which hammered Sunderland 5-0, with striker Edin Dzeko – still to score in eight Barclays Premier League matches since his January arrival from Wolfsburg – restored to the starting line-up.

Gareth Barry and James Milner also came in as Nigel de Jong, David Silva and Mario Balotelli dropped to the bench.

Liverpool: Reina, Flanagan, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Kuyt, Lucas, Spearing, Meireles, Suarez, Carroll. Subs: Gulacsi, Cole, Maxi, Wilson, Ngog, Shelvey, Robinson.

Man City: Hart, Boyata, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov, Barry, Toure Yaya, Milner, Tevez, Adam Johnson, Dzeko. Subs: Taylor, Zabaleta, Wright-Phillips, Silva, De Jong, Balotelli, McGivern.

Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire)