Michael Owen has been ruled out of the Liverpool team to face Manchester United this afternoon after failing to recover from the ankle injury suffered against Fulham.
The England striker is also likely to be ruled out of the friendly international with Denmark next weekend. In Owen's absence, Emile Heskey and Harry Kewell start up front with Smicer adding to their attacking options from midfield.
Roy Keane, used sparingly by Alex Ferguson this term, leads United out at Anfield Manchester United, while the United boss has left the unpredictable skills of Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench.
John O'Shea is reinstated to the United defence in their only change from the Champions League victory over Rangers on Tuesday.
All eyes will be on Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, who in this fixture last term managed two howlers that gifted goals to Diego Forlan.
Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Biscan, Hyypia, Traore, Diouf, Murphy, Gerrard, Smicer, Heskey, Kewell. Subs: Kirkland, Diao, Riise, Le Tallec, Sinama Pongolle.
Man Utd: Howard, Gary Neville, Ferdinand, Silvestre, O'Shea, Fortune, Phil Neville, Keane, Giggs, van Nistelrooy, Forlan. Subs: Carroll, Ronaldo, Butt, Djemba-Djemba, Fletcher.
Referee: G Poll (Hertfordshire)