Downing and Hendo return for LFC v Man City

Today’s game between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield will be played amidst much sadness following the news that Gary Speed had died this morning at the age of 42. Speed was Craig Bellamy’s manager at Wales and played for Kenny Dalglish at Newcastle. He grew up supporting our neighbours Everton who he would later play for and be captain of. Tributes have been paid by Charlie Adam and Xabi Alonso amongst many more at the loss of a man who was hugely respected in the game.

Before today’s kick-off Liverpool had already planned a minute’s silence before kick-off in memory of Brad Jones’s son Luca, who died nine days ago.

Craig Bellamy won’t be involved today, understandably.

The only other change Kenny has made to the side that beat Chelsea last weekend is to put Maxi Rodriguez on the bench, with Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson the two chosen to return to the starting line-up. This means he has decided to stick with the same back four so Jamie Carragher is again on the bench. Andy Carroll is amongst the subs.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Henderson, Lucas, Adam, Downing, Kuyt, Suarez
Subs: Doni, Kelly, Carragher, Coates, Spearing, Maxi, Carroll

Man City: Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov, Milner, Barry, Yaya Toure, Silva, Aguero, Dzeko
Subs: Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Kolo Toure, de Jong, Johnson, Dzeko, Balotelli