Liverpool start tonight’s Europa League first leg match in Portugal against Braga without either of the two new signings that cost a total of well over £50m in the last transfer window.
Luis Suarez can’t play in the competition as he’s cup-tied under UEFA’s rules, but Andy Carroll is on the bench ready to make his European debut for the club – if manager Kenny Dalglish gives him the nod. Carroll has to wear 29 on his shirt in this competition rather than 9, due to another of UEFA’s rules.
Injuries for Liverpool mean Kenny doesn’t have a great deal of choice in defence, Jamie Carragher will start at right-back with Glen Johnson on the left. Daniel Agger, Fabio Aurelio and Martin Kelly are all unavailable due to injury.
There’s a start tonight for both Spearing and Poulsen alongside Lucas Leiva – Steven Gerrard still not 100% fit and so staying in Liverpool.
There’s a start for Dirk Kuyt, the hat-trick hero from the 3-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday, with Raul Mereiles and Joe Cole also starting the tie this evening.
It’s a 6pm kick-off (GMT).
Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Johnson, Lucas, Poulsen, Spearing, Cole, Meireles, Kuyt.
Subs: Gulacsi, Wilson, Maxi, Flanagan, Ngog, Pacheco, Carroll.