How the Reds are expected to start against the reigning champions.
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It’s the first of the Premier League clashes between the title candidates of 2014/15 as reigning champions Manchester City host Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium.
Last season the Reds finished just two points behind City in second and Brendan Rodgers will be keen to get one over on opposite number Manuel Pellegrini, as difficult as that may seem.
Here’s how CaughtOffside thinks Rodgers will lineup his side.
GK – Simon Mignolet
Like during his first campaign at Anfield the Belgium international started this season strongly and with little competition following Pepe Reina’s departure Mignolet is now the confirmed No.1.
RB – Javier Manquillo
Did well during his debut against Southampton last weekend and should retain his spot at right-back with Jon Flanagan still out with a knee injury.
CB – Martin Skrtel
Is the most established centre-back at the club now and continues to keep Mamadou Sakho out of the starting XI, whilst Daniel Agger is also sidelined.
CB – Dejan Lovren
Played well against his former club following a £20m transfer from St Mary’s and like he did with the Saints, Lovren could well bring some defensive stability to the Merseyside outfit.
LB – Glen Johnson
Although looked poor last week the Englishman is likely to keep his place at left-back with Alberto Moreno having only just proved his fitness following a £12m move from Sevilla, but don’t be surprised to see Johnson replaced during the game.
CM – Joe Allen
Lucas Leiva is expected to be replaced in midfield by either Emre Can or this Welshman and for sheer experience we see Allen getting the nod, although the new £10m German will probably get a run out at some point.
CM – Steven Gerrard
The captain has found his new role in his advancing years just in front of the back four, where the 34-year-old can still dictate play and show off his impressive range of passing.
CM – Jordan Henderson
Continued to impress this term after his breakthrough year in 2013/14 and whether on the right or in central midfield the 24-year-old looks assured and confident.
RW – Raheem Sterling
Like his fellow countryman Henderson, the last 12 months have seen this 19-year-old come of age and against Ronald Koeman’s men in his side’s opener the forward scored one and provided the assist for the other in a 2-1 win.
ST – Daniel Sturridge
Another who has greatly developed under Rodgers and with this being his 50th game for the club the England international will be looking to add to the 36 goals he has already.
LW – Philippe Coutinho
Part of the abundance of young talent available to the manager and Coutinho looks to be improving with every game he plays for the Reds currently.
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