Line-up v Steaua: Big names rested

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has kept his word and rested his star names for the Europa League opener with Steaua Bucharest at Anfield this evening.

Star trio Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are all rested ahead of Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford.

The back four sees three changes with Martin Kelly, Soto Kyrgiakos and Daniel Agger coming in, and Paul Konchesky retaining his place at left back after recovering from injury.

There’s a full debut for midfielder Raul Meireles, who lines up alongside youngster Jay Spearing in centre midfield.

The attacking midfielders are Maxi Rodriguez, Joe Cole – who has now served his 3 match domestic ban and available on Sunday – and Ryan Babel, with David Ngog up front.

  • Read Keith’s Europa League Preview here
  • Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Krygiakos, Agger, Konchesky, Meireles, Spearing, Maxi, Cole, Babel, Ngog
    Subs: Jones, Johnson, Lucas, Carragher, Pacheco, Shelvey, Eccleston

    Kick off: 8.05pm

    TV: Live on five (UK). DirectTV channel 481 (USA).