Liverpool could go into Saturday's Merseyside derby with a new-look strikeforce of Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy, both of whom seem to relish such white-hot occasions.

Dutch striker Kuyt had an impressive scoring record for Feyenoord against Ajax, Holland's big derby.

And Bellamy seems to relish derby games and has scored in Glasgow, midlands, north east and East Anglian showdowns, and also seems to like Goodison Park having scored there three times in the past five years.

But the Merseyside clash will be something new to both players, boss Rafael Benitez's new front duo. The Anfield boss also has the option of in-form England man Peter Crouch or even Robbie Fowler, whose six goals against Everton underlines how much he enjoys clashes with the old enemy.

But it would be a surprise if Bellamy did not start the derby. He played well in both Wales games over the international break, while Kuyt scored for Holland in their win on Wednesday over Belarus and has staked his claim for a derby place.