One player missing: How Liverpool should line up against Arsenal

Liverpool head into the game against Arsenal on Saturday with virtually a full strength squad. The only player missing from the trip who could have made the starting lineup is Jose Enrique at left back, who is still struggling with an injury.

This will probably be the easiest Liverpool starting lineup to predict as I do not expect Rodgers to make any changes from the side that demolished West Brom. Even though Coutinho is back fit again, it is unlikely Rodgers will throw him straight into the starting eleven for this one.

Liverpool will continue with Mignolet in goal. The three central defenders will remain as is with Sakho, Skretl and Toure. Daniel Agger is still waiting for his chance to get back into the side but Brendan Rodgers has assured the Danish defender that his opportunity will come to get back into the lineup.

Glen Johnson seems to be returning to full fitness and will take up his place on the right with Aly Cissokho on the left.

The central midfield trio of Lucas, Gerrard and Henderson will take the places, although do not be too surprised if Rodgers decides to start with Coutinho in the number 10 position in place of Henderson. Given that Arsenal have a relatively strong midfield, Henderson would make sense to start with as his energy and defensive abilities are better than those of Coutinho.

There is no need to guess who will start up-front; it has to be Sturridge and Suarez as they look to continue their fine form.

What will be very encouraging for Liverpool on Saturday is the strength of our substitutes bench. The bench could boast the likes of Agger, Kelly, Allen, Alberto, Sterling, Moses and Coutinho. Now that is a bench with options! If for some reason we need to try make attacking changes and get a goal, Rodgers can introduce the likes of Coutinho or Moses, if we need to lock the game and throw in an extra body in midfield then Allen can come on; if any problems arise at the back then Agger is available.

Having watched Arsenal play this season, it is clear that Giroud and Ozil are their danger men whilst Ramsey is also a threat. Skrtel should be able to shackle Giroud and let the French striker know that he is up against it! Sakho and Toure are both quick defenders and will be tasked with picking up the Arsenal midfielders running into attack.

There have been concerns of the 3-5-2 formation Liverpool is using with some saying that we would be tested against a side with pace out wide. Luckily, Arsenal’s speedsters, Walcott and Chamberlain and not fit so we will not need to worry about the pacey threat they offer.

I do not believe in man marking during a game but Lucas will be tasked to keep a close eye on Ozil and make sure he keeps a close grip on the German midfielder. As we saw against Dortmund, if Ozil is flushed out of the game then Arsenal look very average.

This will not be an easy game for the Reds but one which we can win if we go out and play to win which I am sure is what Rodgers will tell his men.

Good luck you Reds!
YNWA