The fourth round of the FA Cup witnessed a disappointing goalless tie as Bolton Wanderers put up a glorifying panoply at Anfield. The battling match up concluded on a fourth round replay of the latter against Liverpool. Neil Lennon’s Bolton Wanderers have been outplayed in only two of the last twelve match-ups in all competitions and seem to be a really tough nut to crack. Interestingly, Liverpool have managed to gain victory in ten games at a stretch against the Championship troupe before the Trotters emerged victorious at their last meeting in January 2012. A triumph over the hosts would mean that the Reds can reinvigorate their F.A cup run in full swing and that is what Brendan Rodgers would be zooming in at the onset of the big league F.A Cup fourth round replay.
Team News and Predictions:
Bradley Jones misses on the fourth round of the F.A on account of his injury. Well! you don’t need rocket science to deduce that the bars would be held down by Simon Mignolet. The Belgian seems to have found his lost touch and assurance between the bars. Now, this is something which is certainly a matter of contentment for Brendan Rodgers.
Coming to the defence line-up, Mamadou Sakho remains a top-pick for the centre-back slot down the left side. Emre Can, on the other hand, has got on quite well in the back three and is expected to start from the same, along with the experienced Slovak Martin Skrtel taking charge of the central defence. Meanwhile, Kolo Toure misses out owing to his African Nations Cup commitments. Glen Johnson, too may remain off the field as of now.
Liverpool midfield had missed out on Steven Gerrard last weekend against West Ham and it is yet to be known whether the veteran has regained his fitness completely. With the crucial game against Everton coming up, I don’t think Rodgers would risk losing his captain. Lucas Leiva continues to be a key player in the absence of Gerrard, but he may just need a breather, which would allow the likes of Joe Allen and Jordon Henderson to take up the midfield role. Moreno and Markovic has been impressive in their wingback roles recently and in all likeliness shall continue to be deployed in their respective positions.
Meanwhile, Reebok Stadium shall see Daniel Sturridge in action. The Englishman made a comeback post a five month injury setback and scored a beautiful goal against West Ham last weekend. Philippe Coutinho, on the other hand, continues to spark his brilliance in the Red jersey. Raheem Sterling, too, remains another pivotal player in the attack line-up. Sturridge along with Coutinho and Sterling is likely to comprise the attacking trio.
A crucial fixture of the F.A cup fourth round comes up this week. Liverpool ought to win this one if they are to make it big in the F.A Cup. As a high voltage midweek match awaits at the Reebok Stadium, here is our take on the possible Liverpool line up in this much anticipated re-match:
- Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet
- Defence: Mamadou Sakho, Martin Skrtel, Emre Can
- Midfield: Lazar Markovic, Joe Allen, Lucas Leiva, Jordan Henderson, Alberto Moreno
- Attack: Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge
League Standing: 7
League Points: 38
League Form: WLDDW
Possible Formation: 3-4-3