Number of players vying for Liverpool selection against the Potters…
Who will partner Martin Skrtel at the heart of defence?
Rightly or wrongly, Brendan Rodgers always picks Skrtel when he’s fit – but the boss has a serious decision to make whether to reinstall his big summer signing Dejan Lovren to the starting XI alongside the Slovakian. Kolo Toure made a slight mistake for the opening goal conceded away to Ludogorets on Wednesday, but was arguably still more solid than Lovren has been in recent weeks. There’s also suggestions that Mamadou Sakho could be fit again, but the Frenchman didn’t make the bench midweek, and it seems unlikely that he’ll be thrown back in yet. Toure probably deserves an extended run in the side, but this could damage an already wounded Lovren even further – and we surely don’t want to completely write off a £20m signing already – despite an awful first few months.
Simon Mignolet or Brad Jones?
Brad Jones is a below-par goalkeeper, and he’s done well to be on Liverpool’s books for so long, in all honesty. However, Mignolet’s latest blunder (versus Ludogorets in the Champions League) has caused rumours suggesting Rodgers will drop his Belgian to begin. Either way – fans are not going to be filled with confidence.
Lucas or Steven Gerrard (or even Emre Can) in the anchoring role?
“He[Lucas] will be in the plans [for Stoke City],” Rodgers said, but it’s not known if this means from the bench or from the start. At home, starting Lucas feels fairly negative, but it would enable Gerrard another chance further up the field. Our skipper did pretty well in a more advanced role midweek, and has struggled badly as an anchorman all season. Rodgers could still deploy Gerrard in a more offensive role if he selects Emre Can, too. Can started our last home match versus Chelsea, and definitely deserves another opportunity.
Does Rodgers recall Adam Lallana or Coutinho or both…?
We set out to grind out a result in the Champions League, and we very nearly did, if it wasn’t for another heartbreaking goal conceded from a corner. Our lineup meant Raheem Sterling was the only attacking midfielder selected, and his performance makes him pretty much undroppable for the Stoke match. At home, Rodgers will surely deploy at least another creative player – and Lallana and Coutinho are both vying for selection. Of course, Rodgers could select all three, playing ahead of a Gerrard and Henderson midfield base.
Will Alberto Moreno get a game?
Some are suggesting the Spanish summer signing is carrying a knock, but he’s been on the bench for recent clashes, which suggests he’s fit enough to start. Rodgers has been playing Glen Johnson ahead of Moreno at left-back much to the dismay of Liverpool supporters. Most would be content with Johnson at right-back (although many would prefer Javier Manquillo) and Moreno on the other side. Two of the three will start – and while Moreno has been the best of the trio this term – it’s unknown whether the boss will bring him back into the lineup.
