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.
SEE MORE:
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.
DMC) Lucas
Lucas anchors the side from the base of midfield, playing simple passes, intercepting opposition ones and remaining disciplined. He’ll have to keep a lid on the marauding Mousa Sissoko.
MC) Jordan Henderson
Henderson’s best position is in one of the advanced roles in the 4-3-3. It enables him to get forward and create, as well as link up the defence and the attack. Steven Gerrard’s out for one more game, meaning Henderson will continue to skipper the side.
MC) Joe Allen
We’d like to see Emre Can given a chance here in central midfield, but expect the diminutive Welshman to carry on – as he’s a favourite of Rodgers.
AMR) Coutinho
Our best player this season by a country mile, Coutinho is our best chance of an unlikely top four finish and FA Cup victory. He’s got magic in his feet, and we’d love to see it again tonight.
AML) Raheem Sterling
Sterling wants the Kop to sing him a song (via Sky Sports), but he’ll have to sign a new contract and put in some more consistent performances if that’s to become a reality… He’d be given some respite from some disgruntled fans if he bagged tonight, of course.
FC) Daniel Sturridge
Not 100% fit, Daniel Sturridge has been encouraged to play through the pain barrier by Rodgers (via the Mirror), so he’ll surely get a start this evening – especially with the complications surrounding Mario Balotelli and Adam Lallana’s niggles.
