Liverpool v Charlton Athletic

DARREN BENT and skipper Luke Young make an early return to Liverpool on Saturday after midweek international duty as Charlton attempt to nudge closer to the 40-point benchmark that is seen as a guarantee of Premiership survival.

The Addicks have 35 but will be hard pressed to extract anything from a venue where they seldom do well.

In fact, the club have lost all their games in the North West this season.

Liverpool will be anxious to avenge their 2-0 beating at The Valley on February 8.

Manager Alan Curbishley is hoping that former Everton striker Marcus Bent will be available after pulling up with a hamstring strain early in Saturday’s second half against Aston Villa.

Jerome Thomas and Alexei Smertin, who has been on international duty with Russia this week, are expected to be fit.

Smertin, who is on a season-long loan from Chelsea, disclosed this week that he had received an approach from a club in Russia who want to sign him for next season.

"An offer is on the table and my agent is considering it," said Smertin who declined to name the club.