Henderson, Gerrard, Lucas, Sakho – all injured…
Here’s the side we think Brendan Rodgers should be starting for Liverpool against Besiktas on Thursday evening…
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GK) Simon Mignolet
Obviously, the in-form Belgian will start. If he picked up an injury or suspension it would be a genuine travesty considering Danny Ward is his only current backup.
DRC) Kolo T0ure
Back from the African Cup of Nations, Toure needs to start – with Mamadou Sakho and Glen Johnson missing training, and Emre Can needed in midfield. He shouldn’t let anyone down.
DC) Martin Skrtel
Skrtel will need to be at his very best considering he’s likely to not be playing alongside Emre Can and Mamadou Sakho as he has for the majority of our excellent recent defensive performances.
DLC) Dejan Lovren
The Croat should continue to deputise for the injured Sakho, and while his showing against Southampton wasn’t great, it was an improvement on his early season form.
MR) Jordon Ibe
With Lazar Markovic suspended, Ibe is the natural choice to continue down the right, having given the Turkish fullback a torrid time in the first leg.
ML) Alberto Moreno
Moreno’s extra defensive nous and work-rate should make him an automatic choice on the left – especially taking Markovic’s suspension into consideration.
MC) Joe Allen
We only have two fit central midfielders, and the little Welshman is one of them. He’ll need to put in a disciplined performance at the base of midfield in the absence of Steven Gerrard and Lucas.
MC) Emre Can
Can wants to play in central midfield, and this could be excellent opportunity for him to show it. He’s got all the physical and technical attributes to make the position his own.
AMC) Raheem Sterling
We reckon Coutinho needs a rest before the Manchester City tie – and Adam Lallana has failed to impress recently. Let’s stick Sterling in the pivotal no.10 role behind two forwards.
FC) Mario Balotelli
The Italian (despite penalty-gate) has been impressive during recent cameos, and we really reckon he’s earned a start. Every time he’s been on the pitch at the same time as Daniel Sturridge, we’ve looked incredibly dangerous, and we should let the pair start together and develop their blossoming relationship.
FC) Daniel Sturridge
Rested for the Southampton match, Sturridge should be raring to go against the Turks. Expect him to be subbed off in the second half regardless of the score due to the City clash.
