After seeing him score two goals in his last two appearances, both as sub, Rafa Benitez has handed Andrea Dossena a start in an advanced role.
Liverpool need to beat Fulham today to keep the pressure on Manchester United – a win today would also put Liverpool top for 24 hours. Also in attacking roles for the Reds are Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard, both of whom agreed new contracts yesterday, and Fernando Torres.
With Javier Mascherano back late from his duties as Argentina captain he drops to the bench and Lucas starts in his place, alongside midweek penalty-score for Spain Xabi Alonso. Scorer of Spain’s winner in midweek, Albert Riera, is on the bench.
Emiliano Insua gets a start at left-back, with Alvaro Arbeloa at right-back, Carragher and Skrtel taking the two centre-back positions.
Yossi Benayoun returned from internation duty with a calf injury but is on the bench today.
Ex-Red Danny Murphy starts for Fulham.
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Insua, Lucas, Alonso, Kuyt, Dossena, Gerrard, Torres
Subs: Cavalieri, Agger, Ngog, Riera, Benayoun, Babel, Mascherano.
Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Dempsey, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies, Zamora, Johnson
Subs: Zuberbuhler, Nevland, Gera, Kamara, Dacourt, Kallio, Baird.
Kick-off: 17:30 BST.
Great result, thought Lucas did well, and Dossena played very well in the first half, keeps the pressure on the Manc’s and the belief within the squad, crackin goal from Yossi, title No.19 is on its way home…