MR) Jordan Henderson
To accommodate Steven Gerrard in a central role, we’d use Henderson on the right versus Sunderland. He’s by no means comfortable here, but he’ll still be able to provide offensive and defensive work-rate – like he does in the middle.
ML) Alberto Moreno
We’d go for Moreno above Lazar Markovic here, because it’s an away fixture, and the young Spaniard provides better defensive cover. He can also bomb forward though, and has all the characteristics a modern wing-back needs.
MC) Steven Gerrard
The captain proved against Wimbledon that despite announcing his departure, he’s by no means willing to let his Liverpool career peter out. Gerrard was used further forward then – and bagged twice – but to utilise a pacier front-three, we’d drop him into a deeper role alongside natural anchorman Lucas.
MC) Lucas
It looked very much like the Brazilian’s Liverpool career was coming to an end early on this term, but with the side needing a defensive platform in the middle, Lucas was recalled – and he’s provided just that. A guaranteed starter, right now.