Carling Cup: Brighton v Liverpool Preview

Steven Gerrard is set to return for Liverpool as they take on Championship over-achievers Brighton in the Carling Cup third round, Wednesday.

The Liverpool captain is set to make his first appearance in six months following groin surgery, as the Reds look to bounce back from Sunday's 4-0 defeat to Tottenham.

New signing Sebastian Coates could make his full debut, while Craig Bellamy is also likely to get his first start this season.

Midfielder Charlie Adam and defender Martin Skrtel are both unavailable after receiving red cards against Tottenham.

Defender Jamie Carragher believes Gerrard's first appearance since March could provide a timely boost to the side.

"He is the captain, the biggest name here," Carragher told the Daily Mail.

"His presence will give everyone a lift. It's disappointing, of course, that he has missed the start of the new season, but what a player we now have to come back to help.

"I speak to him on a daily basis, so I know how much he has wanted to get back. That is what makes him the player he is. He is just so desperate to be part of the new scene."

Championship high-flyers Brighton are without left-back Marcos Painter after the defender was sent off during Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Leicester.

Manager Gus Poyet is poised to call up veteran defender Mauricio Taricco, who also moonlights as Albion's assistant manager.

Striker Will Hoskins is available after recovering from a hip injury, while midfielder Vicente could also be included in the squad.