Projected Liverpool XI To Face Ludogorets – Start Lucas Leiva As DM

Liverpool’s stuttering season seems to be on a road that goes downhill and there seems to be no respite for Brendan Rodgers’ Reds. The Northern Irishman faces the toughest matches of his relatively green managerial career. With 2 must-win games in the Champions League, its close to do-or-die for the Reds on their return to Europe’s elite.

Here’s a look at how they might line-up against the Bulgarian opponents Ludogorets Razgrad:-

Liverpool XI vs Ludogorets

Simon Mignolet
The Belgian retains his place in goal for the lack of quality competition at Anfield. The former Sunderland man is a pretty adept shot-stopper but his indecisiveness when dealing with crosses and set-pieces have cost the Reds far too often in since his move to Merseyside.

Javier Manquillo
The Spanish right-back is one of the better signings Redgers made this transfer window. Defensively sound, Manquillo needs a little work on his attacking output but given he is just 20 years old – he can sort that out soon enough.

KoloToure
The Ivorian was the star-man for the Reds on their visit to the Bernebeu dealing with the likes of Benzema and Ronaldo comfortably. He will be expected to start once again in the Champions League and Rodgers shores up a shaky defence.

MamadouSakho
The Frenchman returns from injury and ought to go straight into the starting 11. A physically imposing defender, Sakho might just offer the defensive solidity Rodgers has been craving.

Alberto Moreno
Mysteriously left on the bench for the Palace game, Moreno should go straight into the starting 11 for this must-win game. Undoubtedly the best signing of the summer, Moreno looks like a potentially world-class left back.

Lucas Leiva
With skipper Steven Gerrard being found out time and again in defensive midfield, its time Rodgers hands the specialist a decent run in the first team. A defensive midfielder of the highest order, Lucas protects the back-four while consistently ticking over the possession.

Emre Can
The young German looks better in a Red shirt every passing game. Physical, fearless and tireless – Can has all the qualities to grow into a very important box-to-box player for the Reds.

Adam Lallana
The former Southampton skipper was bang on the money with his assist for Lambert’s opener. Gradually affecting the game more with his creativity and versatility, Lallana was one of the brighter Liverpool players at the weekend.

Steven Gerrard
It cannot be ay clearer; if Rodgers does opt to play the skipper he ought to play him in the position he can affect the game the most. Playing as the number 10, Gerrard will have a better chance to affect games.

Fabio Borini
The Italian is team-player down to its definition. Waiting for his chance to return to the starting 11, the game against Ludogoretz might just be the game for the former Roma man to finally net his first of the season.

Rickie Lambert
Held the ball up well and linked play decently, Lambert looked a little like the striker Liverpool signed from Southampton at the weekend. With Balotelli and Sturridge injured, Lambert has a lot of responsibility to lead the attack.