Mauricio Pellegrino held his place in the heart of Liverpool’s defence for the Merseyside derby with Everton.
Pellegrino played in the midweek draw with Blackburn because Sami Hyypia had a stomach upset – but boss Rafael Benitez named the Finn on the bench to allow the big Argentinian a chance to cement himself into Liverpool’s first-choice side.
John Arne Riise, rested in midweek, returned on the left flank while Milan Baros and Fernando Morientes continued up front in a partnership which has so far failed to sparkle.
Everton brought back skipper Alan Stubbs in central defence after injury, with Joseph Yobo reverting to a holding midfield role as the Toffees continued with their tried and trusted 4-5-1 system.
James Beattie, back after a three-match ban, was on the bench along with Steve Watson – who has been out since December with a stomach muscle problem. James McFadden and Mikel Arteta failed fitness tests.