After a stuttering start to the season, Brendan Rodgers could make more changes in January…
Liverpool have endured a difficult start to the season, despite getting their first league win in over a month against West Brom on Saturday – where goals from Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson earned them a 2-1 victory.
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Squad depth still appears to be a major issue for Brendan Rodgers side, who have struggled to cope without the injured Daniel Sturridge going forward, and have continued to lack the defensive stability that also let them down last season.
This is likely to prompt Rodgers to return to the transfer window in January, with the quality of their signings likely to be determined by progress in the Champions League.
Here is how the Reds could line-up post January:
GK) Victor Valdes
Simon Mignolet has kept just one clean sheet in ten matches so far this season, and has been at fault for several of the goals. Rodgers has stuck by the Belgian thus far, but the seemingly imminent arrival of the former Barcelona keeper will put severe pressure on his position.
RB) Dani Alves
Liverpool have continued to struggle in the full-back positions this season, and the arrival of the Brazilian could see the end of Glen Johnson’s time at Anfield. Youngsters Javier Manquillo and Jon Flanagan would then provide back-up the experienced Barcelona star, who has spoken of his desire to move to England.
LB) Alberto Moreno
The summer signing has impressed in spells this season, and will surely continue to improve providing he retains his place in the first-team. Has made mistakes this season, but is still young and will be given time, with Jose Enrique providing back-up.
CB) Martin Skrtel
The centre-half has recently gone past 250 appearances for the club, and is the mainstay of Liverpool’s defence. With Daniel Agger and Jamie Carragher having departed in the last 18 months, it will be up to the Slovakian to provide the experience and know how.
CB) Dejan Lovren
The Croatian has had a slow start to life at Anfield, and has been criticised for a number of his performances. But having fought so hard to sign him, the Reds will keep faith for a full season, with Mamadou Sakho waiting in the wings.
DM) Cheick Tiote
Liverpool are preparing to rival Arsenal and Man United with a £15.5m bid for the Newcastle midfielder. Steven Gerrard has been an inspirational figure at Anfield for well in excess of a decade, but has struggled for form so far this season. Joe Allen and Emre Can have struggled with injuries, meaning the Reds could turn to the Ivorian for a powerhouse holding midfielder.
CM) Jordan Henderson
Liverpool’s vice captain will still expected to maintain his exemplary work-rate, but the presence of Tiote behind him will allow him a little more freedom to push forward rather than spend all of his time tracking back.
CM) Adam Lallana
The former Southampton midfielder has been steadily improving since his £25m arrival at the club during the summer, and grabbed his first goal of the season against West Brom on Saturday. Will battle Philippe Coutinho for his place in the team.
RW) Raheem Sterling
Liverpool’s teenage wonderkid has been exceptional form throughout the last year and a half, and all the signs point towards his continued presence as the Reds key man. The likes of Lazar Markovic will provide back-up and prevent the possibility of burnout.
LW) Daniel Sturridge
Has been sorely missed during his spell out injured, and will be a vital in Liverpool’s fluid front three, that will see him interchange between a wide position and the centre forward’s role.
ST) Gonzalo Higuain
Liverpool will make the struggling Mario Balotelli fight for his place in the team with another excellent striking talent in Gonzalo Higuain, who is desperate to secure a return to Champions League football – having missed out with Napoli this season. Will former Anfield boss Rafael Benitez sell?
SEE ALSO: The Best Liverpool goals.