Predicted Liverpool Line Up vs QPR
With the international break done and dusted, Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool can now shift focus to the trip to London to take on a below-par Queens Park Rangers on Sunday. Prior to their hard earned 2-1 success over West Bromwich Albion, Liverpool hadn’t won a match since their 3-0 drubbing of Spurs at White Hart Lane, and with Harry Redknapp’s side in utter disarray, Rodgers would be licking his lips at the prospect of three points and an improved performance before his side welcome the European Champions Real Madrid next week.
Let’s put ourselves in Brendan Rodgers’ boots and predict his starting line-up for the trip to Loftus Road.
Goalkeeper
Simon Mignolet
Simon Mignolet is the undisputed No.1 goalkeeper at Anfield and should continue between the sticks. But Rodgers would be expecting an improved performance from a goalkeeper who looked nervy at times against West Brom, especially when dealing with set pieces.
Defence
Javier Manquillo, Dejan Lovren, Martin Skrtel, Alberto Moreno.
The sprightly Spaniard seems to have well and truly made the right back spot his own this season, edging out the experienced Glen Johnson who has looked off the pace at times.
Dejan Lovren had a shaky start to his Liverpool career after a big money move from Southampton in the summer, but seems to be warming up to the challenge of playing in front of the Kop every other weekend.
Martin Skrtel is the only defender who has retained his regular place from last season, and the battle-ready Slovakian would be itching to get back to winning ways on the road.
Alberto Moreno has looked a defensive liability at times, but Rodgers has placed his faith in the young Spaniard, and with Jon Flanagan (knee) out till December, he doesn’t have many quality options either.
Midfield
Henderson, Gerrard, Coutinho.
Jordan Henderson is the engine that drives Liverpool from back to front, diligent in defence and lively going forward. Henderson opened the scoring against West Brom, and may well have to chip in with the odd goal this season with Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert misfiring for the Reds.
Steven Gerrard has found a new lease of life in his quarterback role, dictating things from the back and allowing the likes of Henderson to move forward. The Liverpool skipper knows that a long season awaits them and would be keen to pick up all three points against Rangers to stay in the European reckoning.
Although Joe Allen is set to be back in action after overcoming a knee complaint, Rodgers is set to continue with Coutinho in the hole. The Brazilian’s versatility allows him to interchange with Lallana and Sterling, and Coutinho’s form could well be pivotal to Liverpool’s chances this season, given Sterling is already feeling the effects of burnout.
Forwards
Sterling, Sturridge, Lallana.
Raheem Sterling withdrew from England’s Euro 2016 qualifier citing fatigue, but should be fresh enough to face QPR on Sunday. Sterling has been Liverpool’s stand-out player this season, and with Suarez no longer at the club, the 19-year old can provide just the spark the Reds need.
Liverpool have undoubtedly missed Daniel Sturridge’s predatory instincts in front of goal, and with Lambert and Balotelli yet to find their shooting boots, Sturridge’s return is just what the doctor ordered.
Adam Lallana has impressed in recent games, and seems to be rediscovering the form which made him such a fan favourite at Southampton. He should get the nod over Markovic, given the Englishman scored the winner against West Brom. Even though Lallana will start in wings, he is expected to be given a free role to drift in and out of central areas of the pitch and swapping positions with Coutinho.
Predicted Liverpool Line Up vs QPR
Mignolet
Manquillo, Lovren, Skrtel, Moreno
Henderson, Gerrard,
Coutinho
Sterling, Lallana
Sturridge