Liverpool starting lineup against Manchester City tonight

Liverpool take on Manchester City tonight (Monday) in a Premier League tie at Anfield. Liverpool are still hunting to finish in the top 5 in-order to clinch a European spot next season. Some people are already writing us off from finishing in the Top 5 but mathematically we still can finish above Tottenham and we must continue to believe that we can.

It will not be easy especially with all the injury problems that Liverpool have going into the match with Manchester City. The Reds are without the injured quartet of Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger, Martin Kelly and captain Steven Gerrard which means that we are going to be very thin at the back. With Aurelio also still struggling with injuries, it is not certain if he is fit enough to start tonight. That leaves Liverpool with no out and out wing backs. So looking at what we have, Dalglish may be forced to play with Carragher at right-back. Dalglish also has the option of playing young John Flanagan at right back tonight but will he take that risk? It would be great to see some young players get the chance now with all these injuries but Dalglish has warned us that he will be cautious when using the young stars.

With Carragher at right-back, Skrtel and Soto should line up in central defence with Wilson at left-back if Aurelio is not fit.

Without Steven Gerrard, I see Dalglish continuing to start with Lucas and Spearing in central midfield. I am not a fan of sticking Raul Meireles wide on the left or right as I prefer to see him play in the middle, off the frontman / men. So with Kuyt, Meireles, Suarez and Carroll all set to figure in the starting lineup tonight, we can not predict where exactly who will play as I am sure they will be rotating positions with each other throughout the game. What I would personally like to see is Kuyt playing on the right with Carroll up at the top with Suarez and Meireles inter-changing to play behind or off Carroll. Suarez has looked effective and comfortable on the left but he should not be restricted to play out on the left for 90 minutes.

So looking at that, the biggest questions marks will be in our defence as that is where Dalglish has headaches. My predicted starting XI for tonight: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Soto, Wilson, Kuyt, Lucas, Spearing, Meireles, Suarez, Carroll.

If you are to ask me what the score will be, I think Liverpool are going to edge it 2-1.

YNWA.