Is this how the Reds will line up for our crucial Premier League clash…?
Brendan Rodgers has plenty of issues to consider ahead of Saturday lunchtime, when his Liverpool side will be attempting to close the five-point gap on fourth place Manchester United, and the final Champions League spot.
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Martin Skrtel and Steven Gerrard both start three-match suspensions following their incidents during the game against Louis van Gaal’s side a fortnight ago, while Adam Lallana is a major doubt.
However, reports from the BBC suggest that Daniel Sturridge could make the squad after injury, while Raheem Sterling and Lucas Leiva are also expected to be fully-fit.
Here’s who we think we’ll select:
GK) Simon Mignolet
The Belgian will be hoping to set a club record with a seventh consecutive away clean-sheet. He could do little about the goals scored by United a fortnight ago, and even saved a penalty to prevent a late third.
RCB) Emre Can
Can will need a big performance here. Without Skrtel alongside him, Liverpool will be looking to the young German to help marshal the back three, and make good on the leadership qualities he’s shown us already.
CB) Kolo Toure
Toure will go head-to-head with Dejan Lovren for the third spot in the defence. The Ivorian will need to call upon every ounce of his experience against his former side, as he aims to keep the in-form Olivier Giroud quiet.
LCB) Mamadou Sakho
The Frenchman is the most established and recognised member of this defence in the absence of Skrtel. He’s been top notch this calendar year, but this is the time to prove that he belongs at the very top level – as we hope he will for a long time.
MR) Lazar Markovic
Raheem Sterling is wasted at right wing-back, and Markovic, in the position, is defensively much better. We think it’s a no-brainer to deploy the Serb here, but Rodgers might have other ideas.
ML) Alberto Moreno
The Spaniard had a bad day against Manchester United, but his performances so far this season have earned him to the continued faith of his manager. He will need to work hard, track back, and still support going forward.
CM) Jordan Henderson
The captain will need a really heroic performance away at the Emirates, one of the hardest places to go in the Premier League. He’s got the character, ability and hunger to provide just that in Gerrard’s absence.
CM) Lucas Leiva
The Brazilian has become known as our ‘lucky charm’ in some quarters, with our impressive record in games in which he has started. He offers so much more than some may have you believe, and is ready to start here. He’s fit, and thrives in big matches, where we need defensive steel in midfield. He’ll offer more of this than Joe Allen.
AMRC) Raheem Sterling
What a huge opportunity for him. If he wants to prove that he deserves the huge contract he’s reportedly chasing, this is the place to prove it – on the pitch. He needs to put everything else to one side and show what he can do.
AMLC) Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian has made a habit of scoring crucial goals so far this season – against Tottenham, Southampton and Manchester City – how dearly would we love another one here? He’s impressed all year, but needs to keep it going. Let’s hope he outshines Mesut Ozil once again!
FC) Daniel Sturridge
It’ll be a big risk to start him due to fitness issues, but he must be desperate to prove his critics wrong with a big performance here. A lack of alternatives also plays a big part in his selection, but he must take advantage with a goal or two. This front-three is potentially devastating – and Adam Lallana and Mario Balotelli provide strong bench options..
