Is this how the Reds will line up…?
Brendan Rodgers will have a number of major decisions to make ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash against Manchester City. Philippe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson and Lazar Markovic are all likely to return, but how will we adjust to their potential inclusion?
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There is no update on the fitness of Mamadou Sakho, so we have to assume that this game will come to soon for him. As a result, Rodgers’ biggest selection headache will probably regard who best to include alongside Martin Skrtel in our back three.
Here’s who we think he’ll select:
GK) Simon Mignolet
Despite seeing five high-quality penalties fly past him, the Belgian was one of our star performers against Besiktas on Thursday – making several impressive saves to keep us in the game. Considering Manchester City’s wealth of attacking talent, he’ll no doubt have to be on top form once again here.
DRC) Emre Can
The German was moved to midfield on Thursday, to accommodate the absence of Jordan Henderson. While his performance was impressive, his teammate’s likely return should ensure that he returns to his role on the right of a back three. If Henderson doesn’t make it, then expect Kolo Toure to come in.
DLC) Dejan Lovren
You had to feel desperately sorry for the Croatian on Thursday – he didn’t deserve to be the man who missed that crucial penalty, having actually played well inside the 90 minutes. What’s important now is that he moves on and lets go of what’s already gone – a big performance here, and all will be forgiven.
DC) Martin Skrtel
The Slovakian was excellent against Besiktas, leading the team forward as captain as well as doing his defensive duties to good effect. With the continuing uncertainty over who will be playing alongside him on Sunday, the Reds will again look to him as the main source of defensive stability.
MR) Lazar Markovic
After missing the Besiktas game through suspension, Markovic will likely return to the team for the City clash, replacing yougnster Jordon Ibe – who limped off during the match in Istanbul. Liverpool will hope that the teenager is fit enough to make the bench, and ready to make an impact later on.
ML) Alberto Moreno
The Spaniard was one of the stand-out players during the game against Besiktas, and will be eager to continue impressing in this one. Moreno was at fault when Liverpool played City earlier this season, but has come along way since then with a series of improving performances.
MC) Joe Allen
Allen has been steadily improving in recent games, after attracting plenty of criticism during the first-half of the campaign. If ever there was a game for a player to keep the ball and control possession, it will be this one, and it could be tailor-made for the Welshman.
MC) Jordan Henderson
Henderson faces a late fitness test ahead of the game, but Liverpool fans will no doubt be hoping that their vice-captain is able to make it. The England international has been key to our recent upturn in form, and it’ll be interesting to see just how ready he’s going to be.
AMRC) Raheem Sterling
The 20-year-old had a difficult night against Besiktas, enduring plenty of criticism for his performance on social media. However, you can’t keep a player of Sterling’s quality down, and we won’t be at all surprised if he comes back firing against Manchester City.
AMLC) Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian was a big miss for Liverpool against Besiktas on Thursday, but equally it will be a big boost to have him fit and firing in this one. He’ll hopefully have benefited from his rest, and we’ll be ready to take on that extra bit of responsibility against City.
FC) Daniel Sturridge
There have been some muted fitness concerns over Sturridge, but Rodgers insists that he’ll be fit to play. Like Sterling, his performances against Besiktas earned some mixed reviews, but he’ll undoubtedly be fired up to produce in this one, especially with it coming against his former club.
