Steven Gerrard has returned from his injury and will start against Blackpool. Liverpool hope to welcome back captain Steven Gerrard after a month out with a hamstring injury he sustained on international duty. And after being rested for their Europa League clash with FC Utrecht Fernando Torres should also return to the starting line-up as The Reds go in search of only their second away win of the season.

Roy Hodgson will again be without Jamie Carragher who is a long term absentee after suffering a dislocated shoulder in the defeat against Tottenham at the end of November. So Greek defender Sotiris Kyrgiakos is expected to partner Martin Skrtel at the heart of the Liverpool defence.

Gerrard may have some new team-mates soon, with the club linked to both Wayne Bridge and Michael Dawson in the January transfer window.