Brendan Rodgers could drop Coutinho for the derby…
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Here’s how Liverpool could start at Old Trafford against Manchester United today…
GK) Simon Mignolet
The Belgian kept a clean sheet last time out versus Southampton, but will need to be at his very best to keep the likes of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie at bay today.
DR) Jon Flanagan
Rodgers will likely start Flanagan on the right of a back four, meaning England starter Glen Johnson can play on the left, with Aly Cissokho on the bench. Flanagan’s solid defensively, and his manager won’t mind if he rarely ventures into United’s half today.
DC) Martin Skrtel
Skrtel was sensational in the reverse fixture against United early in the season, and his manager will hope his first choice centre-back puts in another heroic defensive display.
DC) Daniel Agger
Agger is fit again, and played well last weekend against Southampton. Error prone Kolo Toure will likely be an option from the bench, as could £18m summer signing Mamadou Sakho – who played for the Under-21s last weekend.
DL) Glen Johnson
When he’s fit and healthy, Johnson is an automatic starter for the Reds. On the left of the back four, he will likely be charged with keeping Juan Mata quiet.
MC) Steven Gerrard
This term, from a deep-lying playmaker role, Gerrard’s scored eight and assisted nine so far for the Reds – re-establishing himself as one of the league’s best central midfielders after a quiet few seasons.
MC) Jordan Henderson
Hnederson’s played every minute of every league match this term, and is an automatic starter under Brendan Rodgers. He’ll be charged with making sure Michael Carrick has no time to dictate in midfield.
MC) Lucas
Lucas is fit and ready for selection. Rodgers knows how effective he is in a defensive midfield role, and away from home, he could be crucial. Coutinho was awful versus Southampton, and Lucas is more experienced than Joe Allen in big matches, meaning we reckon the 27-year-old’s starting today.
AMR) Raheem Sterling
Sterling came off the bench against the Saints two weekends ago and scored with his first touch. His pace and directness means he could be crucial on the counter attack, and after Coutinho’s poor showing, we think the English wonderkid will get the nod.
AML/FC) Daniel Sturridge
When fit, Sturridge and Saurez will always start in the attacking roles for this free-flowing Liverpool outfit. Combined, they’ve scored 42 league goals this season, taking up the top two spots in the goalscoring charts.
FC/AML) Luis Suarez
Suarez could actually start from the left, but will of course be given licence to drift inside and link up with Sturridge as he sees fit. The Uruguayan sensation has scored 24 and assisted ten already this term.
