With Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel both suspended, and other fitness doubts ahead of the international break, here’s the likely Liverpool team to face Arsenal.
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Simon Mignolet
Mignolet has been in excellent form since his return to the starting XI, and despite regular criticism of his technical ability, the Belgian goalkeeper handled a short Emre Can backpass in remarkably cool fashion in the match against Manchester United. Saved a Wayne Rooney penalty too, and is far and away our best goalkeeper.
Emre Can
Other than the blip mentioned above, Emre Can has been a revelation at Liverpool since moving into the heart of the defence. Despite fears he’d suffer aerially against Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini, Can held his own -showing he can manage both physical and technical confrontations. While Steven Gerrard’s injury could leave a vacancy in midfield, the expected absences of Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren mean Can will continue to be required in the back line.
Kolo Toure
Given the likely suspension of Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren’s abdominal strain, Kolo Toure is likely to be the man called upon. Hailed as a superb free transfer earlier in the season, the emergence of other players has resulted in the Ivorian’s first team place being taken away. Let’s hope he can swiftly get back into the swing of things – starting with the match against his former club Arsenal.
Mamadou Sakho
Because Mamadou Sakho seems somewhat ungainly, everyone appears to think he’s poor technically. In reality, the opposite is true – he might not be graceful, but he’s a formidable defensive unit whose comfort on the ball is regularly underestimated.
Lazar Markovic
Glen Johnson hasn’t played a lot this season, only making ten Premier League starts so far, and the England international seems unlikely be called upon for the right wing back slot against Arsenal. With Adam Lallana ruled out through injury after being mauled by Phil Jones, Lazar Markovic should be afforded another chance to demonstrate his considerable promise.
Alberto Moreno
An up and down season for sure, but it’s easy to see why Alberto Moreno was brought to Anfield. The Spaniard is lightning quick, tenacious in the tackle and excellent on the ball. He can be somewhat naive positionally, but over the next couple of seasons should grow into a top class wing back.
Jordan Henderson
Captain when Steven Gerrard is not on the field, Jordan Henderson has really stepped up to the plate when given the armband. We have no doubt he will continue to do so against Arsenal.
Lucas Leiva
Joe Allen has been very good in recent weeks, but an away game at Champions League contenders Arsenal calls for a more physical and combative presence. Lucas Leiva hasn’t been granted too many opportunities this season, but has only been on the losing side on three occasions this term – away to West Ham in September as our new signings struggled to settle, with a shadow squad at Real Madrid, and in a narrow defeat to Chelsea in the Capital One Cup in February. This game ought to be perfect for the Brazilian though, and we hope Rodgers selects him.
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling isn’t a wing back. He does his best work closer to goal, and the fact that he’s our leading Premier League goalscorer and assist provider this season illustrates that. Sterling scored twice against Arsenal last season at Anfield from a position on the left side of the attack, and needs to be given the chance to prove his effectiveness. His pace, skill and and movement ought to give him the ability to cause real damage to the Gunners backline.
Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho might be the form playmaker in Europe right now – and a glowing tribute from Brazil great Pele was just reward for a superb season so far. While Arsenal have fine attacking midfielders in Santi Cazorla and the resurgent Mesut Ozil, Coutinho could outshine both of them at Emirates Stadium and get our UEFA Champions League quest back on track.
Daniel Sturridge
At time of writing, Daniel Sturridge has been ruled out of England’s two games during the international break with a hip injury. If he’s fit for Liverpool to face Arsenal though, he’s an essential starter. A natural finisher, it’s hard not to imagine where we’d be in the table if Sturridge had been fit the whole season.