Reds expected lineup for the League Cup quarterfinal with Championship table-toppers…
Liverpool face Bournemouth on Wednesday evening, and manager Brendan Rodgers has to measure up which players need resting before the weekend clash with Arsenal, and which players will ensure us a victory at Dean Court.
Here’s who we reckon he might go for…
GK) Brad Jones
Rodgers has stated that Simon Mignolet has been taken out of the firing line for an indefinite period, meaning his Australian understudy should start again between the sticks.
DR) Javier Manquillo
Manquillo could come in for Glen Johnson at right-back, meaning the Englishman will be fresh for the Arsenal clash at the weekend. He can expect a tricky battle with Bournemouth’s winger Marc Pugh – who’s notched six Championship goals this term.
DL) Jose Enrique
Enrique and Alberto Moreno are seemingly rotating the left-back spot right now, with the younger Spaniard playing the full 90 against United. Most fans would prefer him to start versus Arsenal as well, meaning Enrique could be used in the League Cup.
DC) Kolo Toure
Toure hasn’t put a foot wrong in recent weeks, and should be recalled, alongside returning Frenchman Mamadou Sakho, at the expense of Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren – neither of whom have done particularly well during the course of the season.
DC) Mamadou Sakho
Sakho hasn’t played since September due to injury, and can expect to be eased back into first-team action, starting in the League Cup away at Bournemouth.
MC) Emre Can
The German battler will surely be given a chance in the centre, having not started since the home defeat to Chelsea at the start of November. He’ll provide energy and dynamism to the side.
MC) Lucas
If Rodgers does deploy this side we’re suggesting, there’s every chance he’ll use the defensive solidity of Lucas to provide a platform in the centre. He’ll be crucial in breaking up opposition play, although he’s also in with a shout of starting away to Arsenal, as well.
AMC) Coutinho
If Can (almost a certainty to start) and Lucas (a likelihood) are both selected, the side will need some creativity in the middle, which the Brazilian magician could provide. He’s only shown glimpses of what he’s capable of this term, and hopefully this match will provide a chance to re-find some of his best form.
AMR) Lazar Markovic
The match versus Bournemouth is almost ‘must win’ for Rodgers, but with Arsenal coming up at the weekend, he’ll likely give Raheem Sterling a rest. This gives Lazar Markovic a chance for a very rare start. Expect Sterling to be quickly taken off the bench if we find ourselves in difficulty, however.
AML) Adam Lallana
Lallana only played 45 minutes on Sunday, so should be fit enough to start the League Cup tie, despite his broken rib. Interestingly, he’s actually only played the full 90 on four occasions all season.
FC) Mario Balotelli
He couldn’t quite finish his chances, but Balotelli’s cameo against United on Sunday was actually pretty impressive, and he deserves a chance to start having scored the winner in the previous round.
