Barclays Premier League – 19th August 2007.
Liverpool v Chelsea, Kick-off 4pm
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard does start for Liverpool, and does start in central midfield. Like Chelsea’s captain John Terry he’s not exactly 100% fit but both manager felt they’d rather have their most important players on the pitch than off it.
Up front for Liverpool are Kuyt and Torres, Peter Crouch dropping to the bench. Ryan Babel is also on the bench, with Jermaine Pennant getting the nod on the right wing.
For the members of the media obsessed with Rafa’s rotation policy, this is the same starting eleven as he used for last weekend’s opener against Villa.
Chelsea have one-time Liverpool target Malouda on the wing.
Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Agger, Carragher, Arbeloa, Pennant, Gerrard, Alonso, Riise, Kuyt, Torres.
Subs: Itandje, Hyypia, Crouch, Babel, Mascherano
Chelsea: Cech, Essien, Ben-Haim, Terry, A Cole, Wright-Phillips, Obi, Lampard, Malouda, Kalou, Drogba
Subs: Cudicini, Alex, Makelele, J Cole, Pizarro.
Referee: Rob Styles