The Reds face a semi-final against Aston Villa at Wembley a week on Sunday…
The race to be in Liverpool’s match-day squad for our big FA Cup semi-final meeting is well underway, with all the players on the fringes of the first-team desperate to prove that they’re worth at least a place on the bench.
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In the list below, we note the chances of nine Reds for making the team next weekend. Would any of these stars make your starting line-up…?
Dejan Lovren
Was given a rare chance against Blackburn in mid-week and impressed. He’ll go head-to-head with Kolo Toure for the second centre-back role in the back four – alongside Martin Skrtel, who’ll be returning from suspension. A big performance against Newcastle could solidify his spot.
Kolo Toure
Missed a big opportunity against Arsenal to impress but came on and did well against Rovers after Mamadou Sakho limped off mid-way through the first-half. Will probably have to make do with a spot on the bench.
Rickie Lambert
Scored against Aston Villa in the league earlier this year and offers the Reds something different against a typically physical side who might prove too much for the likes of Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge. Bench is a practical certainty, however.
Javier Manquillo
Liverpool’s return to a four-man defence using full-backs has given the youngster a shot at the XI. Glen Johnson played well against Blackburn and should keep his place but the Spaniard should be on the bench.
Fabio Borini
Like Lambert, the Italian scored against Villa last time out, while he also netted on his last appearance at Wembley – with Sunderland during last year’s Capital One Cup final. Between him and Balotelli for a spot on the bench.
Lazar Markovic
Has had to make do with just a handful of opportunities in recent weeks, the last of which ended after just 45 minutes against Arsenal. Hard to see him making the team but it’s equally difficult to see him missing the bench.
Cameron Brannagan
Has been included in the last couple of match-day squads after impressing in the Anfield charity match. The youngster will likely make-way for a couple of returning teammates but can only do his best to impress.
Mario Balotelli
Has missed the last couple of games with illness but will likely resume his bench-warming duties if he looks fit to do so. He was so often the man for the big occasion at Manchester City, wouldn’t it be a big story if he scored here.
Jordon Ibe
The teenager returned to first-team training on Friday after six weeks on the sidelines. His absence has had a big impact on results and Brendan Rodgers will no doubt be hoping that he can recover in time to play some part.
