Is this how the Reds will line up…?
Brendan Rodgers will have something of a selection headache ahead of the game with Southampton, especially in the attacking positions where six players will be fighting over three places.
SEE MORE:
Liverpool transfer news
Penalty Incident Could End Mario Balotelli’s Liverpool Career Says Ex-Reds Star
Liverpool Legend Slams Hypocrites Over Wayne Rooney’s Dive For Manchester United
Raheem Sterling should be fit to start after making an encouraging comeback from injury on Thursday, while Lazar Markovic is available again after being suspended for the Europa League clash with Besiktas.
Mario Balotelli will also be hoping to get a start after several decent performances from the bench. Steven Gerrard is still out, as is Lucas Leiva, Brad Jones, Jose Enrique and Jon Flanagan.
Here’s who we think he’ll select:
GK) Simon Mignolet
There was another clean sheet for the Belgian on Thursday, as he continued his fine form of 2015. He’ll be looking to continue an encouraging run of performances against tough opposition.
DRC) Emre Can
The appeals for the German to return to midfield are growing in number, but Rodgers has continued to insist that he wants to retain stability among his back three. However, expect him to push forward or out to the right later in the game, especially if we need a goal.
DLC) Mamadou Sakho
Sakho has been excellent in the last couple of games, and Rodgers will simply be asking for more of the same from the Frenchman – who could have his hands full with the returning Shane Long.
DC) Martin Skrtel
There is no place for Dejan Lovren against his former side, as Skrtel completes the back three. The Slovakian has endured a mixed season, but has generally looked better as part of the back three and will need to be at his best here.
MR) Jordon Ibe
The teenager has been outstanding since his return from a loan spell at Derby County. Arguably the best player on the pitch in two of his last three games, he’ll almost certainly keep out the returning Markovic, who will have to make do with a spot on the bench.
ML) Alberto Moreno
The Spaniard’s rampaging runs down the left have been a useful source of inspiration for Liverpool in recent weeks, and while his end product still needs some work, the youngster is clearly improving all the time.
MC) Joe Allen
Our selection of Allen will come as a surprise to some, but rightly or wrongly we can’t see Rodgers changing his mind on this one. Some will argue that the physicality of Can is better suited against the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin – set to return from injury tomorrow – but we expect the boss to keep faith with the Welshman.
MC) Jordan Henderson
With Gerrard still out, Henderson will take the armband once again, aiming to drive Liverpool forward from the heart of the midfield. He’ll also be looking to avoid any repeat of the incident with Mario Balotelli that marred Thursday’s win over Besiktas.
AMRC) Adam Lallana
He wasn’t at his best on Thursday, but we just can’t see him being dropped for a game against his former club. Sentimentality aside, Lallana should be pumped up to face his former employers, and there’s little to suggest that he won’t be going all out to perform at his very best.
AMLC) Raheem Sterling
That leaves a straight shoot-out between Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling for the second attacking midfield role. The Brazilian’s form has dropped slightly below its magnificent best in the last couple of weeks, and that’s the only indication that the returning England international might get the nod. Either way, the man left out will definitely be coming off the bench and looking to make the difference.
FC) Daniel Sturridge
The striker has still not shown us his emphatic best since returning from his lengthy injury lay-off. However, with each game that goes by he’s looking more and more like himself, and surely the goals will start flowing again soon.
