TEAM NEWS: Sterling and Allen return to Liverpool XI for Zenit trip

15/02/2013 2:49:00 AM

The Reds duo are joined by the likes of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez in the starting lineup, while Hulk, Aleksandr Kerzhakov and Danny will face them in Russia

Liverpool have recalled Joe Allen and Raheem Sterling to their starting lineup for their Europa League tie against Zenit St Petersburg.

Jose Reina starts in goal for the Reds, while Jamie Carragher partners Martin Skrtel in the centre of defence, with Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique flanking them.

Allen starts in midfield alongside Jordan Henderson and Steven Gerrard, while Luis Suarez starts up front with support from Sterling and Stewart Downing.

Among the subs are Sebastien Coates, Lucas, Fabio Borini, Jonjo Shelvey, Suso and Andre Wisdom.

For the hosts, Hulk begins in attack alongside Aleksandr Kerzhakov and Danny, while Liverpool will have to contend with Axel Witsel, Roman Shirokov and Igor Denisov in midfield.

Zenit starting XI: Malafeev; Anyukov, Lombaerts, Luis Neto, Hubocan, Shirokov, Denisov, Witsel, Danny, Kerzhakov, Hulk.

Subs: Zhevnov, Rodic, Lukovic, Fayzulin, Semak, Evseev, Djordjevic.

Liverpool starting XI: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Enrique; Allen, Henderson, Gerrard; Sterling, Suarez, Downing.

Subs: Jones, Coates, Lucas, Borini, Shelvey, Suso, Wisdom.