Matthew Pennington makes his first Premier League appearance of the season in today’s Merseyside derby.

Also coming into the team is Mason Holgate as the Blues look set to line-up with a three-man defence and wing-backs for the 12.30pm kick-off at Anfield.

The two young defenders replace the injured Seamus Coleman and Gareth Barry, who drops down to the substitutes’ bench.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a scorer against Hull City last time out, retains his place in the starting line-up.

Pennington is likely to play alongside Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka in central defence, with Holgate and Baines playing as wing-backs.

Speaking about his team selection, Ronald Koeman said: “The game plan for today has not changed. Of course the position of Coleman has changed and now Mason Holgate is starting, and for the position of Funes Mori, Matthew Pennington is now starting. Two young players but I’m totally confident in them because they’ve already shown it in the first team.

“It’s a big game for everybody but he (Pennington) has played five Under-23 games. I spoke to him two weeks ago and told him he was doing really well and that he would get an opportunity to play – and two weeks later he’s starting. That’s football but I’m not afraid to start with Matthew today.

“(Three at the back) is the best way to press Liverpool. That’s what we like but we need an offensive mentality to go face to face.”

Koeman has named an attack-minded bench with Enner Valencia, Arouna Kone, Kevin Mirallas and Ademola Lookman all listed as substitutes.

Also in reserve is young right-back Jonjoe Kenny.