Benitez expects Gerrard to be fit

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez expects captain Steven Gerrard to lead the team out at Old Trafford against Manchester United…

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez expects captain Steven Gerrard to lead the team out at Old Trafford against Manchester United on Sunday and make his 350th appearance for the Anfield club.

Gerrard has recovered from the hamstring injury which ruled him out in midweek against Bordeaux, and Benitez has been given encouragement over the fitness of Robbie Fowler (back) and Daniel Agger (broken hand), who both missed the Champions League trip to France.

Agger could well start on the bench, if he can play with a protective cast on his hand, while Fowler is also close to a substitute role. Mohamed Sissoko and Dirk Kuyt are both now considered fit to start the match after ankle injuries restricted them to late involvement only in Bordeaux.

Team (from): Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Agger, Riise, Aurelio, Luis Garcia, Pennant, Gerrard, Sissoko, Alonso, Zenden, Gonzalez, Crouch, Bellamy, Kuyt, Fowler, Warnock, Dudek.

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