Team News: Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard absent for Liverpool

Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard have not been included in the Liverpool starting lineup for tonight's trip to Blackburn Rovers.

Captain Gerrard has been left out of the squad altogether, while Suarez has been made to settle for a place on the bench.

Martin Skrtel will skipper the side in Gerrard's absence.

Hosting Rovers will begin with Yakubu, who is the club's leading goalscorer, as a lone striker.

Blackburn: Robinson; Orr, Dann, Hanley, Martin Olsson; Dunn, N'Zonzi, Hoilett, Formica, Marcus Olsson; Yakubu

Liverpool: Doni; Flanagan, Skrtel, Coates, Johnson; Henderson, Shelvey, Spearing, Maxi; Carroll, Bellamy