10.08.2004 - Owen on the bench for Graz clash

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Michael Owen has been left out of the starting line up for Liverpool's Champions League qualifier against Graz AK, fuelling speculation that he is on the verge of quitting the club.

Owen has yet to sign a new contract with Liverpool and should he make an appearance against Graz, he would be unavailable to play for any other club in Europe this season and that would affect the amount which Liverpool would be likely to receive for the striker.

And after being left out of the the starting line up by Rafa Benitez, the speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid is set to continue.

Djibtil Cisse and Milan Baros will line up together in attack for Liverpool, and Steven Gerrard starts after recovering from a minor injury picked up in Liverpool's 2-1 friendly win against Roma last week.

There is also a competitive debut for new signing Josemi, who will start at right back.

Liverpool: Dudek, Josemi, Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Kewell, Gerrard, Hamann, Finnan, Cisse, Baros.

Subs: Kirkland, Henchoz, Potter, Owen, Diao, Pongolle, Warnock.