Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier picked arguably his strongest side in a bid to secure the Anfield side's place in the UEFA Cup quarter-finals.
Steven Gerrard and Danny Murphy were paired in central midfield with El Hadji Diouf down the right and John Arne Riise on the left.
It meant Dietmar Hamann had to settle for a place on the bench, although Stephane Henchoz returned to central defence.
Auxerre, as expected, had French international sensation Djibril Cisse back to lead the attack after suspension, the only change from Guy Roux's side from the first leg with Benjamin Mwaruwari dropping to the bench.
Riise was playing his 99th game for the club while Owen needed one goal to equal Ian Rush's European club record tally.
Liverpool: Dudek, Carragher, Henchoz, Hyypia, Traore, Diouf, Murphy, Gerrard, Riise, Owen, Heskey. Subs: Arphexad, Baros, Smicer, Hamann, Diao, Biscan, Cheyrou.
Auxerre: Cool, Radet, Boumsong, Mexes, Jaures, Faye, Tainio, Mathis, Lachuer, Fadiga, Cisse. Subs: Hamel, Grichting, Gonzales, Mwaruwari, Perrier Doumbe, Sirieix, Akale
