Sami to get midfield nod?

With Bolo Zenden joining Momo Sissoko and Xabi Alonso on the injury list, Steven Gerrard is the only fit central midfielder in the first team squad. Although both Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger have been tipped to partner Gerrard against Portsmouth tonight, Rafa Benitez admitted Sami Hyypia was the first player he considered for the role.

"The first name that came into my head to replace Bolo was Sami, honestly," said the Liverpool boss.

"People have been saying that Daniel's emergence might mean the end for Sami, but maybe Sami can play as a holding midfielder. I need to check whether he has the tactical movement and awareness you need playing there, but it's not difficult.

"You just need to be clever. What do you need to do? In Argentina, it's their number 5, a holding midfielder who's a centre back playing a bit higher. I've spoken to him two or three weeks ago about that. Now I just need to think about which option to take."