Carroll set for starting spot

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is likely to start £35m striker Andy Carroll against Chelsea at Anfield following his goal in the FA Cup final against the Blues on Saturday.

Carroll’s introduction from the bench during the final gave Liverpool a fresh impetus and he came very close to scoring an equaliser but for a good save from Petr Cech.

The former Newcastle frontman is likely to replace Craig Bellamy in the starting XI while midfielder Jay Spearing may also miss out after his disappointing display at Wembley.

Provisional squad: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Carragher, Agger, Spearing, Gerrard, Downing, Bellamy, Carroll, Suarez, Doni, Kelly, Coates, Flanagan, Robinson, Enrique, Henderson, Rodriguez, Shelvey, Kuyt, Sterling, Ecclestone.