Will Alberto Moreno finally be given a chance in the side?
Liverpool picked up a much needed win against Stoke City on Saturday, but their performance, especially in the first-half, left much to be desired.
As a result of this, and the close proximity between matches, the team to start against Leicester City definitely doesn’t pick itself.
Based on recent performances, Kolo Toure is certain to start at centre-back, and due to injury depletion Rickie Lambert is a guaranteed starter up top, too.
Here’s what Brendan Rodgers needs to decide before Tuesday night’s match:
Who starts at left-back?
Already this season Glen Johnson, Alberto Moreno and Jose Enrique have been used at left-back, and none of them have made the position their own. Moreno has struggled to get into the team in recent weeks, but has a chance of a recall because of Enrique’s average performance at the weekend. The elder Spaniard gave the ball away on too many occasions, and played regular long-balls up his touchline to very limited effect. He also struggles badly with fitness, so two matches in four days could be too much for him. If Rodgers does pull Enrique out of the side, he could either use Moreno, or deploy Johnson at left-back, and bring Javi Manquillo into the side on the other flank.
How does Steven Gerrard come back into the side with Lucas playing so well?
Lucas (along with Kolo Toure) was Liverpool’s best player versus the Potters. He offers the defence an important screen, and has proven that he needs to be our starting anchorman at the moment. If Rodgers sticks with Lucas (as he almost definitely will) he has a decision to make whether to bring captain Steven Gerrard back into the side or not. Jordan Henderson is probably undroppable, meaning Joe Allen is the most likely to give way in a midfield three. Emre Can though is also knocking on the door for a recall to the side having played so well against Chelsea the last time he was given a start.
Coutinho or Adam Lallana in attacking midfield?
Coutinho gave the ball away on far too many occasions against Stoke, and can expect to be taken out of the firing line as a result. Adam Lallana is the obvious choice to replace him, having sat out the weekend’s fixture. Coutinho is not enjoying an excellent season, but is potentially one of our very best players if he finds his form. Most fans would like to give him a chance centrally – but few would be surprised if he’s back on the bench for the trip to the Tigers.
