Places up for grabs

The Liverpool boss has an idea of his starting line up in the Reds' first competitive game of the season on Wednesday but says there is still a chance for players to force their way in if they impress in tonight's final pre-season friendly of the new campaign.

"It's too soon at the moment to decide, but I have an idea of the team I'd like to pick," said Benitez.

"Because we've had players coming back late in different groups after Euro 2008 we have to be careful of injuries. We need to wait a bit longer, see how the players are in training and then decide what we are going to do.

"Tonight is a chance for the players to impress not just me, but the supporters as well. When we were deciding which team to play in this final game, the thing in my mind all the time was that the fans would be excited whoever it was. It would be nice if it was an open game tonight with lots of goals and the fans seeing us play well ahead of next week's matches.

"The preparations have gone well but it's important to improve our sharpness a bit more now and that's why we have agreed to play Lazio. They are a top Italian side who will work hard defensively and be good on the counter-attack, so this is a good test for us at this stage of pre-season.

"It's also an opportunity for our new players to experience Anfield and that will be fantastic for them. They will learn that the fans are always behind them."