Rodgers opts for new defensive partnership

Both Liverpool and West Ham have made changes to their defences as the Reds visited Upton Park, looking for a positive result to take them back to the Premier League summit.

Brendan Rodgers has recalled Mamamdou Sakho in place of Daniel Agger for the away side as he looks to counter the physical presence of former Liverpool forward Andy Carroll.

Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is able to start with captain Kevin Nolan after he overcame a back problem, but has forced to replace the injured George McCartney with on-loan Napoli full-back Pablo Armero making his first start for the club.

West Ham: Adrian, Demel, Tomkins, Reid, Armero, Noble, Taylor, Downing, Nolan, Diame, Carroll.

Subs: Jarvis, Jaaskelainen, Carlton Cole, Joe Cole, Potts, Johnson, Nocerino.

Liverpool: Mignolet, Johnson, Skrtel, Sakho, Flanagan, Henderson, Gerrard, Coutinho, Sterling, Sturridge, Suarez.

Subs: Brad Jones, Toure, Aspas, Moses, Cissokho, Lucas, Allen.

Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire).