Rafael Benitez has opted to start this afternoon’s Premier League clash at Fulham with Peter Crouch and Andriy Voronin up front.

With Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg at home to Chelsea in mind, the Spanish manager has also rested captain Steven Gerrard (neck injury) and starts Jamie Carragher and Fernando Torres on the bench.

Sami Hyypia captains the team on his 300th league appearance for the Reds.

Liverpool Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Skrtel, Riise, Benayoun, Pennant, Mascherano, Lucas, Voronin, Crouch. Subs: Itandje, Torres, Aurelio, Alonso, Carragher.

When asked whether Fulham may make life difficult for the Reds this afternoon, Benitez said, “We know it will be difficult. When a team is at the bottom of the table you know they will play with a little bit of anxiety and determination. We know it will be tough but we want three points and we need to guarantee fourth.”

Kick-off at Craven Cottage is 3pm.