Liverpool take on West Brom on Saturday in what will not be an easy game for the Reds. West Brom, who are managed by former Liverpool coach Steve Clarke, are no longer the push overs they used to be and they will come out to Anfield and give us a run for our money. After all, they managed to go to Old Trafford and get a win (although that does not seem hard to do these days).
Brendan Rodgers’ men will still be hurting from the 2-2 draw against Newcastle as we failed to get all three points even though the Magpies played more than half the game with ten men. The Reds will be determined to get it right on Saturday, especially being a home game.
Three points is seen as a must in this game as these are the games we should be winning if we want to continue our push for the top four.
Looking ahead at the team selection for this game, Liverpool have a fit squad to pick from with Coutinho being the main casualty as he is not ready yet to return from his shoulder injury. This is a big blow as his absence can be felt in the side.
I do not see Rodgers changing the 3-5-2 formation even though we changed to a 4-4-2 in the second half against Newcastle due to them being a man down and us pushing for the win.
So who should start against West Brom:
Goalkeeper
Mignolet will certainly start in goal. One may be overly critical and say that he should have stopped Cabaye’s shot in the Newcastle game that led to the goal, but that would be a bit too much blame to lay on the Belgium keeper. He has been a brilliant shot stopper so far this season but still needs to work a lot on his distribution from the back.
Central Defenders
The three at the back will remain to be Sakho, Skrtel and Toure. Sakho was the player taken off against Newcastle when we reverted to a back four. Daniel Agger is fit again and pushing to be recalled back into the side but at this rate, Rodgers seems to be keeping faith with Sakho, Skrtel and Toure. If Agger is to be called back into the side it could be for Sakho. One thing Agger can do better than the three current picks is play well with the ball at his feet and step out of defence with the ball and start attacks; that is one thing I miss about Agger.
Wing Backs
Cissokho started against Newcastle at left back after Enrique was ruled out due to injury. There is no further news on Enrique’s injury at this time so I am assuming he is still injured so Cissokho will start again. I was not overly impressed by Cissokho against Newcastle, he seemed too one dimensional and offered little going forward. Maybe now that he has got his debut out the way, he will settle down especially with the game being at Anfield.
Glen Johnson returned against Newcastle following his injury lay off and put in a decent 80 minute shift. He will surely start again at right back and continue to build upon his great performance. Having Johnson in the side certainly offers us more attacking options.
for me the starting 11 for tomorrow
mingolet
jhonson skertel agger/sakho cissokho
lucas gerrard
hebderson/allen suarez alberto
sturridge
It would be difficult to omit Henderson on current form. This is a home game and we will need our midfield to contribute in the WBA half, Lucas cannot do this. Clark’s gameplan is built on defence first, so what Lucas has to offer over Henderson may not be crucial in this game. Hendo can also be a goal threat, Lucas can not.
The back 6 from the NUFC game will start, along with SAS and SG,
with Hendo to start, it leaves Moses and Alberto vying for the No 10 spot.
In defense I would prefer Agger to replace Sakho. In midfield Gerrard and Henderson should continue. If Liverpool is doing well in the game Gerrard can be sub in the 60th min either by Lucas/Allen. Moses should be drop to the bench based on last performance . Alberto to take his place. Liverpool need to win this game at all cost. Also to revenge for their defeats the last time they met. Go Reds Go. YNWA.
rodgers shud try 3-3-2-2 lyk mignolet,-toure,skrtel,agger,–johnson, lucas,cissoko,–gerald,alberto,–suarezsturidge gerald can still attack i want see him reach120 goal ths season, 2gether with alberto creativty our attack wil be strong ynwa!!
4 me, dis is my own selection 4 2day match. Goes dos…mignolet….johnsn,toure,strtel,sackho,hendo,lucas,steven,alberto,suarez nd sturridge…,prediction 2 vs 0 in favour of liverpool
I love liverpool
For me, Rodgers must use Alberto as no.10. We all saw his impact the moment he came in in our last game. Moses can not play as no.10, he is a complete winger. If we want to win today’s match we really need a creative midfielder and Luis Alberto is d man. Rodgers, pls do dat for us…… I can assure everyone dt he will impress
I love Liverpool