How we expect the Reds to line up against Rangers tomorrow.
Liverpool face Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road tomorrow knowing that they need a win to back up the narrow success over West Brom at the start of the international break – a result that would heap the pressure on Hoops manager Harry Redknapp.
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The Reds will be without star striker Daniel Sturridge through injury once again, after he picked up a new calf complaint in training, but otherwise this is how we expect Brendan Rodgers to line up:
GK) Simon Mignolet – The Belgian has been far from convincing for the majority of this season, but Liverpool simply don’t have another competent option.
RB) Javier Manquillo – Spanish loanee Manquillo has established himself as first choice at right back in the absence of injured England international Glen Johnson.
CB) Dejan Lovren – The £20m man is a doubt for the game through injury but is expected to pull through and make it into the side.
CB) Martin Skrtel – Slovakian centre back Skrtel has arguably been their best defender this season and had a fine international fortnight.
LB) Alberto Moreno – Left back Moreno has proven to be a fine buy for Liverpool after arriving from Sevilla this summer.
DCM) Lucas Leiva – Rodgers could well use Lucas in a defensive midfield role, with Joe Allen having been missing through injury and Gerrard potentially playing in a more advanced role.
CM) Jordan Henderson – Former Sunderland man Henderson is a fine all-round midfielder and one of the first names on Rodgers’ teamsheet.
ACM) Steven Gerrard – His late cameo in this position against West Brom and the injury to Sturridge could tempt Rodgers into playing Gerrard in this more advanced role.
AM) Raheem Sterling – All eyes will be on young Sterling to see how reacts to the tiredness row that blighted his time away with England.
AM) Adam Lallana – Lallana’s fine performance, including a goal, against West Brom last time out should’ve earned him a start.
SC) Mario Balotelli – Rickie Lambert didn’t really work as the focal point of the Liverpool attack so Balotelli should return.