AM) Adam Lallana
It’s been a difficult first season on Merseyside for Lallana, the most-expensive purchase of last summer’s spending spree, for whom big things were expected. For the most part, it’s not been his fault. A succession of injury problems have prevented him from building up any sort of momentum, while his performances in recent weeks – topped off by last weekend’s goal against Crystal Palace – have proved that he is more than capable.
AM) Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian is of course included in his favoured role just behind the central striker. It might be tempting, considering our issues in central midfield, to drop him back down the pitch and include either Jordon Ibe or Lazar Markovic here instead. However, it’s important that we play our best players in their best positions. It’s a problem we’ve encountered all season long, with both Coutinho and Raheem Sterling playing in a central striking role.
ST) Daniel Sturridge
Fingers crossed that his hip operation has done the trick and that he’ll be back fit and firing by the end of the calender year. We’ve sorely missed his goals this season, as well as his presence leading the line. One might even argue that if we’d had another 10-15 games out of him this season that we’d have made the top four. Either way, he needs help next season, regardless of how quickly he returns. Rodgers and co must buy at least one, maybe two.
