Is this Liverpool’s strongest possible XI…?
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Daniel Sturridge and Joe Allen are expected to be fit and available to Brendan Rodgers following the international break, the club’s website confirmed, and as the Reds have badly missed both of them, they’re likely to slot straight back into the side.
Here’s how Liverpool could lineup against QPR next weekend with the pair back in the XI, using a 4-3-3 formation.
GK) Simon Mignolet
Right now, there’s no competition for the Belgian, despite his poor form.
DR) Glen Johnson
Jon Flanagan is still injured, but Johnson made a cameo appearance versus West Brom, and is likely to replace youngster Javier Manquillo, who’s been deputising.
DL) Alberto Moreno
The young Spaniard provides attacking thrust up the left, and his performances have been far more impressive than compatriot Jose Enrique.
DC) Martin Skrtel
The leader of Liverpool’s defence, Skrtel’s consistency rather than his ability is the problem right now.
DC) Mamadou Sakho
With Dejan Lovren picking up an injury while away with Croatia, the powerful Frenchman should partner Skrtel at the back.
DMC) Steven Gerrard
The club captain sits deep and looks to control tempo from the base of midfield.
MC) Joe Allen
Allen could replace Coutinho as part of the midfield three. He’s arguably less creative than the talented Brazilian, but he makes better decisions and keeps the ball far better. Liverpool have also missed his pressing.
MC) Jordan Henderson
One of the first names on the team-sheet, Henderson is growing into one of Liverpool’s best two or three players.
AMR) Raheem Sterling
The teenage phenomenon played excellently in this position versus West Brom, and there seems little reason to change a winning formulae.
AML) Adam Lallana
The £26m summer signing is improving every game, and he bagged his first goal for the Reds against the Baggies, linking up excellently with Henderson in midfield. From the left, he can either create from out-wide or cut inside.
FC) Daniel Sturridge
Sturridge could take up the role of lone forward. There’s a chance he could play alongside Mario Balotelli ahead of a midfield diamond, but this would mean Lallana would drop to the bench. With the Englishman more deserving of a place currently than the Italian, the 4-3-3 seems better suited to the Reds. Sturridge proved last season, when Luis Suarez was suspended, that he can score goals when playing the pivotal striker role.
