We predict the Liverpool line-up for their fourth round FA Cup tie with Bolton Wanderers.
With Brendan Rodgers saying his Liverpool side must target a trophy this season, we believe the Anfield boss will stick with a strong XI against Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup fourth round.
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Despite playing in mid-week there should really only be one change if Rodgers is indeed serious about boosting his side’s chances of cup success and ensuring they come through unscathed against the Championship side.
Here’s our predicted XI below:
GK: Simon Mignolet
With Jones still out with a thigh injury, Rodgers has little choice but to keep the Belgian in goal though he has looked, reassuringly, more composed in recent weeks.
RCB: Emre Can
Johnson is back in full training so could come back in on the right side of the back three but Rodgers should stick with Can to let him put the demons of his penalty causing tackle against Chelsea to bed.
CB: Martin Skrtel
Had a hell of a battle with Costa at the back against Chelsea in the Capital One Cup and was part of a back line that restricted the Blues to just 1 attempt on target, Rodgers will want Skrtel’s leadership to organise the back three in such a manner again.
LCB: Mamadou Sakho
It’s hard to see Rodgers trusting the likes of Lovren at the back if he really wants to feel secure in a knockout tie and so will elect to choose Sakho despite other options available.
RWB: Lazar Markovic
Reborn going into the second half of the season, Markovic will be selected again to boost both his game time and his ever growing confidence.
CM: Lucas
Given how it’s been revealed just how crucial Lucas is to Liverpool’s win rate this season, Rodgers will most likely keep the Brazilian in the middle to give his side some robust edge against a Championship side who might be inspired under the Anfield lights.
CM: Jordan Henderson
Hot off his hilarious attempt to look hard when standing up to Diego Costa mid-week Henderson will be back in the side to help sure up the Liverpool middle in the absence of Steven Gerrard and keep the Reds ticking going forward.
LWB: Alberto Moreno
Despite an up and down start it seems Liverpool have found the perfect position for the Spaniard in left sided wing back position to perfectly compliment his tendencies to go forward with his sometimes lack of backtracking.
RW: Adam Lallana
Lallana may come into the side at the expense of Gerrard after impressing when brought on against Chelsea on his return from injury.
CF: Raheem Sterling
Primed and ready after his break in Jamaica, Sterling will once again lead the Liverpool line in an almost false nine role and look to add to his impressive display against Chelsea where he was the main driving force of the side.
LW: Philippe Coutinho
Coutinho will celebrate his impending contract extension with his 29th appearance of the season for the Reds.
Formation: 3-4-3