Liverpool vs Hull City team news: Mario Balotelli starts despite recent criticism
A look at the teams lining up for this Premier League match
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mario Balotelli has a chance to quell the recent criticism heading in his direction after being named in the starting line-up for Liverpool's game against Hull City.
LATEST: Liverpool vs Hull City live
The Italian striker is yet to score in the Premier League for Liverpool and in the midweek Champions League defeat to Real Madrid was ineffectual before being taken off at half-time. That he swapped shirts with Pepe as he left the field only provided more ammunition for his critics.
Yet Brendan Rodgers has kept faith in the £16m signing in the continued absence of Daniel Sturridge.
Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana and Emre Can provide the creative options behind Balotelli whilst Joe Allen starts alongside Steven Gerrard, with the Welshman selected ahead of Jordan Henderson, who is on the bench.
For Hull City, Hatem Ben Arfa and Abel Hernandez, who has three goals this season, will provide the main attacking threats.
Liverpool team: Mignolet, Manquillo, Skrtel, Lovren, Moreno, Allen, Gerrard, Can, Sterling, Balotelli, Lallana.
Subs: Brad Jones, Toure, Lambert, Markovic, Johnson, Henderson, Coutinho.
Hull team: Jakupovic, Bruce, Davies, Chester, Elmohamady, Huddlestone, Diame, Livermore, Brady, Ben Arfa, Hernandez.
Subs: Watson, Rosenior, Meyler, McShane, Aluko, Ramirez, Quinn.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments