Will Raheem Sterling get revenge for missing chances at Old Trafford in December?
Jamie Carragher has said Steven Gerrard will struggle to get into the Liverpool team this weekend when we face Manchester United.
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It could be the skipper’s final game against the Red Devils but according to Carragher, it will be difficult to replace anyone in the starting XI with Gerrard given the team’s incredible run of form as of late.
In the six matches he has been sidelined since his hamstring injury against Tottenham, we’ve won six – scoring 14 goals and conceding just two.
“Who do you leave out? Henderson, you don’t leave out. Allen was maybe one of the best players on the pitch against Man City. I don’t think he’ll play Steven Gerrard,” said Carragher on Monday Night Football.
“The team is playing well. They’ve been on a great run since Steven has been out of the team. Unfortunately, he’ll know himself, when you go out the team and the team continue on a great run, it’s hard to get back in.
“It’s unfortunate for him but we’ve all been there towards the end of our career.”
Below follows Carragher’s full team to face our arch rivals:
Simon Mignolet
Back in form after a shaky spell, Mignolet has recently proved himself one of the best shot stoppers in the Premier League.
Emre Can
A revelation on the right side of a three man defence, Emre Can will need to expect an aerial bombardment from Marouane Fellaini.
Martin Skrtel
Having recovered from the worrying looking injury sustained against Blackburn Rovers, Martin Skrtel should take his place at the heart of the Reds defence.
Mamadou Sakho
Far more comfortable on the ball than the press gives him credit for, Mamadou Sakho brings physical presence and technique to the Reds back line, and his left footedness offers balance.
Lazar Markovic
Lazar Markovic has adapted more effectively than either Raheem Sterling or Adam Lallana to the wing back role, and would be Carragher’s choice to start here.
Alberto Moreno
Alberto Moreno should start on the opposite flank to Markovic to continue a promising start to his Liverpool career.
Jordan Henderson
In inspirational form in recent weeks, with three goals in his last three games, Jordan Henderson is proving a worthy heir to Steven Gerrard.
Joe Allen
Having earned plenty of criticism this season, it’s only fair to point out how well Joe Allen is playing. Carragher recognises that the Welshman deserves to keep his place.
Adam Lallana
A two footed and intelligent option on either flank. Lallana should be able to dovetail well with the rest of the forward line.
Philippe Coutinho
Is there a better playmaker in Europe than Philippe Coutinho at present? The Brazilian has earned a recall to the international fold after a stellar couple of months for Liverpool, and he could do Manchester United some real damage.
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling started up front against Manchester United at Old Trafford in December – a game that we lost 3-0 – and the 20 year-old was criticised for missing a host of chances. However, his urgency and pressing could be vital against Louis Van Gaal’s pedestrian side, and he has vowed to score if presented the same opportunities again.
While Daniel Sturridge is the superior finisher, it is Sterling’s running that could dictate Liverpool’s high octane approach.