Reds will be without £46m worth of new talent due to injury…
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Here’s the side we reckon Brendan Rodgers could put out to face Southampton on the first Sunday of the Premier League campaign.
GK) Simon Mignolet
The Reds have been linked with Diego Lopez, but it’s unlikely he’ll be signed in time to start in goal next weekend. Mignolet is virtually certain of his place between the sticks for the start of the campaign.
DR) Glen Johnson
Jon Flanagan has struggled with minor injuries recently, meaning Johnson should get the nod, despite some dodgy pre-season form. Southampton may look to target the England man defensively.
DC) Dejan Lovren
After Liverpool conceded 50 Premier League goals last season, Martin Skrtel could make way for new £20m signing Dejan Lovren. The Croat is aggressive, and prides himself on his composure with the ball at his feet.
DC) Mamadou Sakho
Sakho looked exceptional at the World Cup with France, and will be keen to get off to a good start this season after missing much of last term with injuries. He’s a solid passer, and Reds fans will hope he forms a top partnership with new signing Lovren.
DL) Jose Enrique
Alberto Moreno could arrive before the start of the season, but even if he does, Rodgers is unlikely to start him straight away with Enrique having had a full pre-season.
DMC) Steven Gerrard
Barring injury, Gerrard will skipper the side and play the deep anchoring role, with willing runners either side of him in a midfield three.
MC) Jordan Henderson
Henderson was a virtual ever present last season, and his tenacity and industry is vital to Liverpool’s pressing when the opposition have the ball, and the transition between defence and attack.
MC) Emre Can
New signing Can has done very well this pre-season. He’s stronger than Joe Allen, and provides more physicality in the centre of the park. We think Rodgers could give him first competitive start at Anfield.
AMR) Raheem Sterling
Despite being aged just 19, there is an argument to suggest that since the departure of Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling is Liverpool’s most important attacking threat. his pace, dribbling and intelligence are incredible for one so young, and he could start on the right, but be given the licence to drift infield and link up with his teammates. £20m signing Lazar Markovic is unlikely to be fit enough to start.
AML) Coutinho
Liverpool’s best player during pre-season by some distance, Coutinho will provide the creativity and guile in the final third. The Brazilian has the technical ability and vision to open up the Southampton defence on his day. New signing Adam Lallana is injured, and will not be available.
FC) Daniel Sturridge
The England striker will be desperate to show Liverpool can cope without Suarez. Sturridge scored 21 Premier League goals last term, meaning new signing Rickie Lambert will likely provide backup from the bench against the Saints.
