Lovren at the back, and Can in the middle…
Here’s the side we reckon Brendan Rodgers could select to face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup on Saturday…
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(Video) Check out Jordon Ibe’s stunning goal – aged 15 – in League One!
(Image) Brendan Rodgers snapped in Rome – Liverpool linked with Miralem Pjanic
GK) Simon Mignolet
The Belgian has been rightly praised in recent weeks, and considering the stick nearly all Liverpool fans were giving him pre-Christmas, he deserves a serious pat on the back.
DRC) Dejan Lovren
With the skipper out, we think Emre Can will be moved into central midfield, meaning the £20m Croat, or Glen Johnson, could step into the back-three. Lovren came off the bench v Spurs, so we expect him to get the nod.
DLC) Mamadou Sakho
Sakho’s been doing charity work in Liverpool all week, and we can only hope it inspires him to put in another towering performance!
DC) Martin Skrtel
Selhurst Park will evoke some pretty horrible memories for Martin Skrtel. He played a role in the defensive blunders that saw our title chances ruined last season – but he’ll need to put that behind him if he wants us to progress into the quarters.
MR) Javier Manquillo
With Jordon Ibe cup-tied, the young Spaniard could do a job at right wing-back, although Lazar Markovic will also be an option here.
ML) Alberto Moreno
In our strongest XI, Moreno must start at left wing-back, and he’s recently spoken of how much he’s enjoying the role:
“I played as a winger when I was younger. I really like this formation as I can attack more, which is one of the things I like to do the most on the pitch,” he told the official website.
MC) Emre Can
Can’s earned a stint in central midfield, and with Lucas and Steven Gerrard out injured, he’s the natural choice to come in – with Joe Allen also a less inspiring option from the bench.
MC) Jordan Henderson
In Gerrard’s absence – Henderson is our captain, and this next month may prove whether or not he’s capable of taking the role long-term.
AMRC) Adam Lallana
With Raheem Sterling missing Tuesday’s match with an injury, we don’t think he’ll be rushed back when Lallana is ready and waiting to start instead… The 20-year-old will likely provide an option from the bench, however.
AMLC) Lazar Markovic
Coutinho has been jaw-dropping since the turn of the year, but he was off colour against Spurs, and in truth – looked jaded. A rest could do him good – with Markovic a solid option instead.
FC) Daniel Sturridge
We don’t think Sturridge will play the full 90, and Mario Balotelli will hope to get minutes having bagged Tuesday’s winner – but if we’re serious about lifting the FA Cup, we need our best striker on the field.
