The international break has always been a time when managers all across Europe keep their fingers crossed as they hope that their stars come back in fine condition after representing their countries. While many clubs have suffered the misfortune of their key players picking up injuries while away on international duty, Liverpool fans must be cursing their luck as they were treated to the news of Daniel Sturridge picking up yet another injury while away on England duty that will effectively rule him out for the next couple of weeks. If that wasn’t enough heart-break for Liverpool fans, midfield dynamo – Jordan Henderson also picked up a niggle in England training. Although the 24 year old marathon man played out the entire qualifier against Switzerland, his fitness will be assessed once he is back at Melwood. The return of Adam Lallana from a lengthy injury lay-off was pleasant news for disgruntled Liverpool fans this international break. While stars like Mario Balotelli and Steven Gerrard spent the break away from action, they will be expected to put a good performance against a stubborn Aston Villa side.
Here is a look at the side that will most probably take the field against Aston Villa this weekend:-
Formation – 4-3-3
Simon Mignolet
The Belgian shot-stopper is the undisputed number 1 at Anfield and after an inactive international break with Belgium, Mignolet will be itching to get back to playing ways this weekend against Paul Lambert’s Aston Villa.
JaviManquillo
The 20 year old full-back on loan from Atletico Madrid looks set to retain his place at right-back despite the rumoured return of Jon Flanagan from injury. After a solid showing away at White Hart Lane dealing with the likes of Christian Eriksen and NacerChadli, Manquillo will look to display his attacking side against a rather defensive Villa side
DejanLovren
The Croatian centre-half must be one of the first name on the team-sheet for Brendan Rodgers. After a shocker against Manchester City, Lovren put up a decent performance against Spurs away in North London. Mentioned by many experts as the type of defender Rodgers has been searching for since the retirement of Jamie Carragher, Lovren is on his way to becoming a Liverpool stalwart.
Mamadou Sakho
The burly French centre-half put in an absolute gem of a performance for France against Spain last week. Tipped by many to be the way forward for Liverpool, the quicker Sakho and Lovren strike a partnership, the better it is for Liverpool fans in the present and the future.
Alberto Moreno
The 22 year old Spaniard hasn’t taken long to settle, has he? After a mixed bag away to Etihad on his debut, young Moreno put in a stellar performance against Spurs. Blessed with bursting pace and an accurate shot, Alberto Moreno is the left-back Rodgers has been searching for since his arrival at the club.
Steven Gerrard
The 34 year old skipper will return from a holiday during the international break. Still far from his best, the Liverpool skipper will be looking to perfect the quarterback role as he has done over the last calendar year.
Jordan Henderson
24 year old midfield dynamo is key to the way Liverpool play and the his niggle during England training scared the life out of many a Liverpool fan. Hendo is probably the first man on Rodgers team-sheet, that’s how important the former Sunderland man is to Liverpool.
Joe Allen
The Welsh midfielder has started this season on a very positive note. Physically more robust than last season, it finally looks like the season the functional yet unspectacular Joe Allen imposes himself in the Liverpool side.
Raheem Sterling
The 19 year old has the world at his feet and the sky is his limit. Great things are expected from young Raheem Sterling who never ceases to impress and all he has to do is to stay grounded and keep doing what he is doing.
Mario Balotelli
Mario Balotelli will most likely lead the Liverpool attack this weekend in the absence of Daniel Sturridge. The controversial yet immensely talented Italian striker had a decent debut against Spurs despite having not gotten onto the score-sheet. It won’t be long before Mario starts banging in them goals in Liverpool Red lads.
Lazar Markovic
The 20 year old Serbian winger who is blessed with lightning quick pace has played 2 cameos in the first 3 games of the season. After an impressive game against France, Markovic will be hoping he lands his first start in a Red shirt this weekend against stubborn Aston Villa.