How will the Reds line up this evening?
Will Brendan Rodgers revert to his 3-4-3 formation, or will he stick with the 4-3-3 that helped us scrape past Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup quarterfinals?
There’s no definitive word – but we’re predicting that he’ll stick with four at the back – with the wing-back formation not creating anywhere near as many chances in recent weeks as it was during our January/February period…
Jon Flanagan and Jordon Ibe are back in full training, but we’d be surprised if either got a start tonight, while Martin Skrtel and Steven Gerrard are serving the final matches of their three match suspensions.
If we’re right – here’s the likely personnel.
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Liverpool gossip
GK) Simon Mignolet
During this calendar year, only Coutinho can rival Mignolet as Liverpool’s best performer, arguably. If we win tonight, we’d go just four points behind woefully out of form Manchester City – so a strong keeper’s performance is essential.
DR) Glen Johnson
Excellent in the FA Cup replay despite the fact that he could end his Liverpool stay in the summer on the expiration of his deal, Johnson is favourite for the right-back spot as Jon Flanagan hasn’t started a game once all season, although he’s back and ready to play.
DL) Alberto Moreno
Moreno’s been poor recently, meaning there’s a chance Flanagan could be used at left-back, meaning we’d have the same fullbacks starting as our amazing run last season. As mentioned though, Flanagan will probably be on the bench, meaning the young Spaniard has a chance to improve his form.
DC) Dejan Lovren
Mamadou Sakho is injured, Martin Skrtel is suspended, and we don’t think the available again Emre Can is suitable for a defensive role in a back four. So Lovren plays.
DC) Kolo Toure
The veteran Ivorian is more than capable of a blunder, but will give his all to the team, and we’ll never be able to fault his dedication to the Liverpool cause. If we do go with the 4-3-3, he’s the natural option to partner Lovren.
