Spearing replaces Leiva in Liverpool midfield

Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing has been handed his first Premier League start of the season against Fulham this evening.

The 23-year-old starts in place of Brazil international Lucas Leiva after he suffered a season-ending knee ligament injury last week, while Luis Suarez returns to lead the line with Andy Carroll.

Clint Dempsey starts for Fulham after missing their midweek Europa League defeat at FC Twente, while Philippe Senderos and Bryan Ruiz have also been drafted in by manager Martin Jol.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Kelly, Hangeland, Senderos, Riise, Dempsey, Murphy, Etuhu, Ruiz, Dembele, Zamora.

Subs: Etheridge, Johnson, Kasami, Gecov, Hughes, Frei, Briggs.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Jose Enrique, Henderson, Spearing, Adam, Bellamy, Suarez, Carroll.

Subs: Doni, Maxi, Coates, Kuyt, Downing, Carragher, Kelly.

Referee: Kevin Friend.