After a heart-breaking evening mid-week at home to Basel, Brendan Rodgers faces the task to rally his boys for a trip to Manchester United on Sunday. The turmoil at Liverpool isn’t just on the pitch as Steven Gerrard is yet to sign a contract extension and youngster Raheem Sterling’s contract is still unsigned with the biggest names in club football keeping an eye on the 20 year-old. However, the game on Sunday is a potential 6 pointer against a team with whom the Reds hope to be battling for the Top-4 this season. Here is a look at how the Reds might line up:-
Simon Mignolet
The Belgian keeper keeps his place in goal as Rodgers suffers from lack of quality competition and quality back-up between the sticks. Mignolet will certainly have a point to prove as rumours of the Reds searching for a keeper in January gains momentum with the window nearing.
Javier Manquillo
The young Spanish full-back has been relegated to the bench after Glen Johnson’s return to form, however, with the English full-back playing all of the last 6 consecutive Liverpool games, Manquillo might get a look-in.
Kolo Toure
The Ivorian who has been a revelation in recent weeks should shrug off his injury in time to take part in the game on Sunday. Vocal and uncompromising, Toure is exactly the kind of centre-half Brendan Rodgers requires at the moment.
Mamadou Sakho
The Frenchman should return to the starting line-up after an injury lay-off. The former PSG skipper should add physicality and solidity to a shaky Reds back-4. His return will be most welcome among Reds fans across the world with Lovren simply flattering to deceive.
Alberto Moreno
The young Spaniard has been in and out of the side recently inexplicably. The pacey full-back should start against a United team who are a tad vulnerable in defence. Moreno adds dynamism and quality to the Reds attacks down the left side with his pace and crossing ability.
Lucas Leiva
The Brazilian has shown just what Brendan Rodgers was missing all the time he was on the bench. A defensive midfielder of the highest order, Lucas has been detrimental to the Reds performance upturn of sorts recently. The Brazilian will most likely keep his starting place for Sunday’s clash.
Emre Can
The impressive German should finally get a look in as Rodgers tries to rotate his players to keep them in the best condition. Can, who scored the opener against Chelsea will add drive and physicality to the midfield. His dynamism and fearlessness will be key if Liverpool are to hurt United in any way on Sunday.
Adam Lallana
The versatile midfielder would’ve been gutted not to have started the Basel game. However, one of the better signings of an underwhelming window – its high time Lallana starts pulling his weight in the Reds attack.
Steven Gerrard
The skipper who led the fightback against Basel knows all about playing against Manchester United. Leave it to the 34 year-old to come up trumps when his side needs him the most. His leadership after the heart-wrenching knock-out from the Champions League will be interesting to watch.
Raheem Sterling
Despite all the rumours of a contractual breakdown behind the scenes, on the pitch Raheem Sterling is still the best attacker in a Red shirt at the moment.
Rickie Lambert
The 32 year-old looks beyond his legs but still as the only recognized striker fit at Liverpool, he will lead the line against Manchester United.
