Benitez drops Robbie Keane

Rafa Benitez has dropped Robbie Keane for today’s Premier League clash against Blackburn Rovers.

Instead, the Liverpool boss has opted to pick Dirk Kuyt with Ryan Babel in place of the out-of-form Keane and the injured Fernando Torres.

Emiliano Insua makes his first league start of the season. He starts at left back while Javier Mascherano returns to the midfield.

Blackburn Rovers’ manager Paul Ince makes just one change. Matt Derbyshire replaces South African striker Benni McCarthy despite his two goals on Wednesday night against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Carling Cup quarterfinal.