Fabio Borini or Rickie Lambert up top?
Here’s the side we reckon Brendan Rodgers could select to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday – desperate to stop the rot of three consecutive defeats in all competitions.
Jon Flanagan remains a long-term absentee, as does Daniel Sturridge, while Mamadou Sakho is unlikely to return the starting XI. Jordan Henderson is fit enough to start, while Mario Balotelli faces a late fitness test. Emre Can has also picked up a knock, but could still be selected.
GK) Simon Mignolet
Barring an injury in the match warmup, the Belgian will start in goal.
DR) Glen Johnson
Because of the hostile atmosphere and direct football deployed by the Eagles, the more experienced Johnson could be selected ahead of Javier Manquillo.
DL) Alberto Moreno
Joe Enrique is carrying a knock (again), but Moreno should be an automatic starter anyway.
DC) Martin Skrtel
Rodgers always selects the Slovakian when fit – who was one of the defenders largely at fault for Palace’s comeback in the same fixture last season.
DC) Dejan Lovren
The Croatian is likely to retain his place, with Sakho lacking match practice or match fitness.
DMC) Steven Gerrard
The captain anchors the side from central midfield, but can expect the likes of Mile Jedinak and Joe Ledley to snap at him all afternoon.
MC) Jordan Henderson
Rodgers has claimed Henderson is fit enough to start, despite missing England’s friendly with Scotland.
MC) Emre Can
The German is not actually 100%, but provides the kind of combative presence and strength we’ll badly need in midfield against Palace. He’s stronger and more dynamic than Joe Allen and Coutinho, and after his goal last time out against Chelsea, we reckon he’ll get the nod again.
AMR) Raheem Sterling
Sterling was rested for the majority of England’s game against Scotland, so should be in prime condition to put Neil Warnock’s side to the sword. Because of a lack of in-form available forwards though, we’re likely to use a 4-3-3 formation, meaning Sterling should start from the right.
AML) Adam Lallana
Lallana, who enjoyed a productive international break, is likely to get the nod ahead of Coutinho – who remained on the bench for the entirety of Brazil’s win over Austria.
FC) Rickie Lambert
Rodgers has indicated that Mario Balotelli’s injury will mean ageing Scouser Rickie Lambert will be given a chance up top. (You can watch his press conference, here.)
