I was willing to give Rafa the benefit of the doubt after Monday, despite leaving Agger on the bench. Today however, there’s little doubt that Rafatation is back in fashion – Benitez has excelled himself with the rotation of his lineup for the game at Blackburn.

Liverpool start at Ewood Park with Insua at left back and Hyypia alongside Carragher. Dossena and Agger find themselves on the bench. In midfield meanwhile, Babel comes in for Riera and we also have Mascherano restored, with Keane dropping to the bench. Gerrard will presumably push up with Kuyt up front then, with Benayoun on the right.

Rafa at his unpredictable best and we’re not even at the Christmas fixture pile-up yet.