Paul Joyce – one of the few Daily Express journalists worth listening to – has suggested that Roberto Firmino won’t be starting for Liverpool this weekend against Stoke City, in our first match of the new Premier League season.
Roberto Firmino is likely to miss out on a starting role at The Britannia as he continues to work on his fitness. (Paul Joyce)
— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ96) August 5, 2015
According to Joyce, the Brazilian is continuing to work on his fitness after missing out on much of our pre-season campaign. The summer signing was away on international duty with Brazil at the Copa America for much of the break and only made his first-team debut during the friendly against Swindon Town on Sunday.
With less than 70 minutes in a Liverpool shirt under his belt, it makes sense that he would make way for some of his better prepared teammates – including Adam Lallana and Jordon Ibe – who both shone in the Far East.
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Brendan Rodgers’ biggest selection headache ahead of our trip to the Britannia Stadium is likely to be in choosing two players to fill those attacking midfield positions, assuming we continue with our 4-3-3 formation.
Lallana, Ibe, Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and Lazar Markovic will all be hoping to earn a spot behind the central striker – who will almost certainly be Christian Benteke – while the likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva will occupy the midfield positions.
Who would you choose? Let us know below.