Paul Joyce from the Express has named the Liverpool side which will take the field to face Bordeaux this evening in the Europa League. He’s a respected Merseyside journalist, and we’ve no reason to believe he’s wrong.
Here’s the side he claims is taking the field, along with a few of our thoughts:
GK) Simon Mignolet
Starts in Europe ahead of Adam Bogdan.
DR) Nathaniel Clyne
A win’s needed, so Clyne and not youngster Connor Randall is starting, sensibly.
DL) Alberto Moreno
Jose Enrique isn’t ready for first team duties yet, meaning Moreno continues on the left.
DC) Kolo Toure
Martin Skrtel’s ill, meaning Toure will cover for him in his and Mamadou Sakho’s absence.
DC) Dejan Lovren
Lovren will look to put in another strong performance after his positive Etihad outing.
DMC) Lucas
Suspended for the Swansea game, so will start at Anfield against the French.
MC) Joe Allen
It makes sense to tune the Welshman who will surely start as anchorman at the weekend in Lucas’s absence. Emre Can will get a rest.
AMR) Jordon Ibe
Will stretch Bordeaux with his pace and power on the flank, and look to score his second goal of this season’s competition.
AMC) Roberto Firmino
Coutinho’s not fit to start meaning the Brazilian will take up a free role in the final third, looking to link up Ibe and Benteke as much as possible – much like he did with Lallana and Coutinho versus City.
AML) James Milner
Adam Lallana’s played heavily recently, and could do with a break ahead of the weekend perhaps. Milner can do a patrolling job on either flank.
FC) Christian Benteke
The Belgian powerhouse will lead the line, making his first start since the Crystal Palace defeat. Daniel Sturridge will surely get a run out from the bench.
