Hobbs set for first start

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is set to give Jack Hobbs his first Premiership start against Reading if Jamie Carragher fails to make it.

Centre-half Carragher appears to be losing his race to be fit enough for the trip to the Madejski Stadium on Saturday following his clash with Pepe Reina during the 4-0 win over Bolton which left him with bruised ribs.

If there are any doubts over the defender's fitness then Benitez will not risk him, with massive games coming up against Marseilles in the Champions League and Manchester United in the Premiership.

Hobbs looks set to start although Benitez may opt to push Alvaro Arbeloa to centre-back should Steve Finnan recover from a calf injury in time to face Steve Coppell's men.