Brendan Rodgers has made two changes to the Reds line-up which was last in action in the Barclays Premier League, at home to Hull City on January 1.

Ivorian defender Toure partners Martin Skrtel at the heart of the backline, while skipper Steven Gerrard replaces Iago Aspas and racks up a 650th appearance for the club in the process.

Having returned from an ankle problem, Sturridge is selected on the bench at the Britannia Stadium, and Academy goalkeeper Danny Ward is included as back-up for Simon Mignolet.

The Liverpool XI in full: Mignolet, Cissokho, Skrtel, Toure, Johnson, Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson, Sterling, Coutinho, Suarez.

Substitutes: Ward, Kelly, Ibe, Aspas, Moses, Sturridge, Alberto.

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