by @paul__baker
Liverpool return to Premier League action against Hull City on Saturday afternoon at Anfield. After suffering a 0-3 home loss in the UFEA Champions League against Real, Kop Boss Rogers will be keen to make it three League wins in a row with victory against the Tigers.
Liverpool will start the game without Sakho and Flanagan in defence. Adam Lallana will be looking to start, after turning in a decent showing against Madrid. If you’re looking to attend the Liverpool-Hull game, you should check out the home and away tickets options on Football Ticket Trade. There’s bound to be a big reaction to the Madrid loss, and the Kop is always bouncing when the team needs the boost!
The big question on Merseyside is not shirt swap gate, it’s if this will be Mario Balotelli’s final chance in a Liverpool shirt. If he offers another inept performance it may very well spell the end of his short Anfield career. One goal in ten games in not good enough for the Reds! Or any of the top Premier League sides!
If the Club and Mario part ways, Rogers will look to use the January transfer window to sign his replacement. There is a feeling that the Club are beginning to consider future targets already.
If Mario is dropped, which most fans seem to think should happen and with Sturridge still missing with his calf injury, the chance to lead the line may be given to Rickie Lambert. The local lad has not had the best start this season. He will be keen to prove he deserves his place in the squad and will pushing Rogers for the same chances given to Balotelli. Lambert still retains the faith of the Kop, unlike Mario, as it is clear that he is trying hard, maybe something too hard. The goals will flow soon for him, given minutes on the pitch. He has spent some time with Dr Peters at Anfield to try and overcome any issues with moving to his boyhood Club.
The Tigers will visit Anfield full of confident after the Arsenal match last weekend. Boss Steve Bruce will no doubt have spent time training his squad on their corner technique. Liverpool have shown time and time again this term their vulnerability from corners and set pieces.
Hull will be forced to play third choice goalkeeper Jakupovic. McGregor and Harper are both out. Dawson and striker Nikica will also play no part.
Tom Huddlestone should play through the pain barrier against the Reds. Left back Robertson may not make it in time for Saturday. He will be given a late fitness check.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, will relish the game. He has scored three goals in two Anfield starts against the Tigers. (Source: Telegraph) Hull will be looking to improve their record v Liverpool. The only win in 18 meeting came against Liverpool in all competitions last season. (Source: BBC Sport)
Liverpool (Possible, 4-1-2-3): Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel, Lovren, Enrique; Henderson, Allen; Sterling, Gerrard, Lallana; Balotelli.
Hull (Possible, 3-5-2): Jakupovic; Chester, Bruce, Davies; Elmohamady, Huddlestone, Diamé, Quinn, Ben Arfa; Hernández, Ramiréz.