Is this the side that will start against Roberto Martinez’s men?
Here’s the side we reckon Brendan Rodgers could select to face Everton at Goodison on Saturday evening…
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GK) Simon Mignolet
Impressive recently, the Belgian hasn’t made a publicised mistake in a while, and put in another commanding show in the midweek FA Cup victory.
DRC) Emre Can
How’s this for a stat… In eight games with Emre Can as centre-back, we haven’t conceded a goal in open play. Whether his long-term future is in midfield is irrelevant. Right now, he’s key to the three-man defence.
DLC) Mamadou Sakho
The Frenchman is one of the first names on the team-sheet, and we can only hope he maintains the unbelievable defensive record he’s reached in recent weeks.
DC) Martin Skrtel
The Slovakian gave away a penalty midweek, but has been defensively so much better in 2015 than he was when partnered with Dejan Lovren.
MR) Jordan Henderson
With Lazar Markovic nursing an injury, and Brendan Rodgers likely to try and fit Steven Gerrard and Daniel Sturridge in the lineup, Henderson could be accommodated in the right wing-back spot.
ML) Alberto Moreno
A certainty for the left wing-back spot ahead of Jose Enrique.
MC) Lucas
Rested for the Bolton tie, Lucas’s tenacity and ability to win the ball back is going to be absolutely crucial.
MC) Steven Gerrard
Surely Gerrard will get a start in what will be his final Merseyside Derby…? His chances of doing so are increased with Markovic not 100%, as it creates an extra spot in midfield if the Serb can’t play. He’ll be dying to put in a monumental performance.
AMRC) Raheem Sterling
Sterling’s pace can cause any side problems, whether he’s used in our predicted attacking midfield position or as a centre-forward. Adam Lallana should provide an option from the bench after quiet recent showings.
AMLC) Coutinho
All eyes will be on the Brazilian magician, who’s all at once become the subject of intense media scrutiny since his FA Cup wonder-goal. Rodgers, teammates and even Neymar have lavished Coutinho with praise – and we hope he can prove them right at Goodison.
FC) Daniel Sturridge
It’s a gamble, but we think Rodgers could select Sturridge from the offset. He’s looked sharp in his two cameo appearances, and scored on his return a week ago… If the boss chooses to start him on the bench instead, Sterling will play centrally – and two of Gerrard, Coutinho or Adam Lallana will dovetail him.
