How Liverpool could line-up against Arsenal, read our predicted XI here…
Brendan Rodgers is likely to retain the majority of the team that dispatched Bournemouth in the Capital One Cup earlier this week, as the Reds take on Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.
Rodgers won’t have many options available to change his team. Mario Balotelli serves a one-match ban for breaking Football Association rules on social media.
Defender Dejan Lovren is a doubt, while Daniel Sturridge and Glen Johnson remain out.
Here is how we could start this weekend:
GK) Brad Jones
Despite a mistake against Bournemouth in mid-week, the Australian looks set to keep his place, and could be in for a busy afternoon this weekend.
RCB) Kolo Toure
Has been Liverpool’s most consistent defender this season, and injuries to Johnson and Lovren have only increased Rodgers’ reliance on the experienced Ivorian.
CB) Martin Skrtel
The Slovakian turned 30 this week, and recently told reporters that he wants to remain at Anfield for the rest of his career. This is the time for him to stand up as leader and proves that he deserves to stay.
LCB) Mamadou Sakho
Liverpool lost summer signing Dejan Lovren to injury in mid-week, and that could ensure a rare start for Frenchman Sakho. Rodgers is clearly not his biggest fan, and he needs a big performance.
DM) Lucas Leiva
The Brazilian will need to be at his best in front of Liverpool’s back three, if he’s to contain Arsenal’s array of in form attacking options.
CM) Steven Gerrard
The Liverpool captain only starts the big games these days, and this is definitely another one here at Anfield. Gerrard will be hoping to control the midfield and keep them moving forward.
RM) Jordan Henderson
The vice-captain has struggled to impress for much of this season, and will get another chance out wide on Sunday. He did okay against Bournemouth, and will want to build on that here.
LM) Lazar Markovic
The Serbian was Liverpool’s standout player – with the possible exception of Raheem Sterling – against Bournemouth, and he will be hoping to continue his impressive run of form here.
AM) Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian has not stood-out as much as he would have liked this season, and would love to do the business in a big game this weekend.
AM) Adam Lallana
Lallana has a very decent evening against Bournemouth earlier this week, and he needs to keep playing and improving. A big performance in a big game will really help his reputation.
ST) Raheem Sterling
The youngster impressed in the striking role against Bournemouth, and his pace should cause Arsenal’s back four plenty of problems.