Smicer on from the start for Liverpool

Vladimir Smicer replaced the suspended Djimi Traore as Liverpool looked to overcome a 2-1 deficit from their first leg against…

Vladimir Smicer replaced the suspended Djimi Traore as Liverpool looked to overcome a 2-1 deficit from their first leg against Sheffield United and book a place in the Worthington Cup final at Cardiff.

The build-up to the game has been dominated by something of a slanging match between Reds boss Gerard Houllier and Blades manager Neil Warnock.

But Liverpool go into the game with their confidence boosted by a 1-0 win at Southampton on Saturday.

John Arne Riise dropped into the defence to allow Czech Smicer - the only change from that game at St Mary's - a free role in midfield behind Michael Owen and Emile Heskey.

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Warnock started with just one striker, former Tranmere frontman Wayne Allison, with Peter Ndlovu and Michael Tonge - the two-goal hero from the first clash - to work the flanks.

Liverpool: Kirkland, Carragher, Henchoz, Hyypia, Riise, Diouf, Murphy, Gerrard, Smicer, Heskey, Owen. Subs: Dudek, Baros, Diao, Cheyrou, Mellor.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Jagielka, Murphy, Page, Quinn, Montgomery, Brown, McCall, Tonge, Ndlovu, Allison. Subs: Kozluk, Peschisolido, Ten Heuvel, de Vogt, Mooney.

Referee: A Wiley