Liverpool's youngsters are expected to step aside on Friday as Rafael Benitez's outfit play a warm-up game against Mainz in Germany.

Benitez is expected to field all his big guns in Liverpool's final pre-season friendly ahead of Wednesday's Champions League qualifying clash at home to Maccabi Haifa, the Israeli champions.

Reds boss Benitez knows there can be no mistakes in the third qualifying round first leg at home to Haifa, a tie Liverpool have to win to ensure the minimum £12million that comes from reaching the European Cup group stages.

That extra cash could be vital as Benitez bids to bring in the top line striker he needs, with more talks expected on Dirk Kuyt's future with Feyenoord.