Predicted Liverpool Lineup For COC: Kolo Toure, Lucas & Lambert To Be Involved

A frustrating afternoon against a stubborn Hull City side saw Brendan Rodgers’ Reds drop a further 2 points in an already stuttering campaign. The Northern Irishman had made it clear at the start of the season that his aim now is to win some silverware after having gotten the Mersey-siders to the Champions League after a 5 year exile. The Capitol One Cup is a perfect opportunity to win back some fans who have begun doubting the signings and the expensively-assembled squad’s quality. At home against Gary Monk’s Swansea side who finally regained some form after their impressive start to the season, Rodgers’ will have to mix aggression with caution as he approaches this game with one eye on the trip to the Bernabeu a week away.

Formation :- 4-4-2 (Diamond)

Simon Mignolet

The Belgian picks himself in the starting 11. Seemingly gaining in confidence with every game, Mignolet still has a long way to go as far as his handling and command in the box is concerned. With either Baftembi Gomis or Wilfried Bony leading the Swansea line, a physically robust test awaits Liverpool’s keeper.

Javier Manquillo

The 20 year old Spaniard showcased his talents to great effect against an industrious Hull side. Defensively solid, Manquillo is developing his attacking game with every passing game. The full-back from Madrid will most definitely occupy the right side of defence for the Reds.

Kolo Toure

The Ivorian centre-back is in line for a rare start as the mid-week Cup fixture provides Rodgers’ with a chance to rest either of his centre backs. The former Arsenal and Manchester City man will be expected to show leadership in defence, something that’s been absent for a very long time.

Dejan Lovren

With Mamadou Sakho still injured, the Croatian ought to seize this opportunity and work his way back into good form as his Liverpool career never seemed to take off since the Borussia Dortmund game in pre-season.

Jose Enrique

Despite being the senior of Liverpool’s Spanish left-backs, its pretty clear that Enrique is now more of a 2nd choice left-back at the club. Defensively suspect,  Enrique will try to use this game as a chance to put him back in contention after the horror show at QPR.

Lucas Leiva

The Brazilian defensive midfielder has been starved for game-time lately. With rumours of him leaving the Merseyside club in search for regular action in the newspapers, Rodgers might give him the odd start as he rests his skipper for next week.

Jordan Henderson

The 24 year old midfielder was left on the bench for the Saturday’s game against Hull City after suffering minor niggles. In what might just be his first game as Liverpool skipper, Henderson will look to make a lasting impression as Reds captain.

Emre Can

The 21 year old German midfielder is gradually establishing himself in the Liverpool side after being side-lined by a nasty ankle injury earlier this season. Providing the Liverpool midfield with much-needed drive and physicality, Can adds another dimension to the Reds attack.

Phillipe Coutinho

The diminutive Brazilian was in top form in his last 2 outings. After an exciting cameo coming off the bench against Hull, the 21 year old will be in line to start against Swansea mid-week.

Fabio Borini

With the other Italian misfiring all cylinders, its only fair that Brendan Rodgers’ gives Borini a fair shot at the first team too. Full of running and desire, Borini might just be the player Liverpool need at the moment.

Rickie Lambert

The burly English centre-forward looked particularly bright when he came on against Hull City. He will expect to start against Swansea and prove it to the Gaffer, that he derives a place in the starting 11 regularly.