Line-up vs Chelsea: Sami drops to bench

Rafael Benitez names an as-expected line-up to face Chelsea tonight in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final tie at Anfield.

Sami Hyypia drops to the bench despite strong performances of late, making way for a central defensive partnership of Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel.

Fabio Aurelio gets the nod at left-back ahead of John Arne Riise whilest Steven Gerrard has shaken off a neck injury to captain the side, playing behind striker Fernando Torres.

Peter Crouch, Yossi Benayoun and Jermaine Pennant make up Liverpool’s attacking options on the bench.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbelona, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Kuyt, Mascherano, Alonso, Gerrard, Babel, Torres. Subs: Itandje, Hyypia, Riise, Pennant, Lucas, Crouch, Benayoun.

Kick-off at Anfield is 7.45pm.