TEAM NEWS: Allen and Henderson both return to Liverpool XI for Zenit clash

22-Feb-2013 12:25:00 AM

Brendan Rodgers is forced into two changes with Daniel Sturridge and Phillipe Coutinho both ineligible in Europe, as the Reds aim to overcome a two-goal deficit at Anfield

Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson have both returned to the Liverpool starting line-up to face Zenit in the Europa League last-32 second leg, with January additions Daniel Sturridge and Phillipe Coutinho both cup-tied.

The midfield pair are just two changes from the side which beat Swansea 5-0 in the Premier League at the weekend, with youngsters Suso, Oussama Assaidi and Raheem Sterling on the bench.

Luciano Spalleti makes just one change from the side which gave Zenit a 2-0 advantage in Russia, Segei Semak is brought in to add numbers in midfield with Aleksandr Kerzhakov sacrificed from attack.

Liverpool starting XI: Reina; Johnson, Enrique, Agger, Carragher; Lucas, Allen, Gerrard; Henderson, Downing, Suarez.
Subs: Gulacsi, Coates, Wisdom, Shelvey, Assaidi, Suso, Sterling.

Zenit starting XI: Malafeev; Anyukov, Lombaerts, Neto, Hubocan; Shirokov, Semak, Denisov, Witsel Danny; Hulk.
Subs: Zhevnov, Alves, Criscito, Rodic, Fayzulin, Bukharov, Kerzhakov.