How Liverpool may line-up as they attempt to qualify for the next round of the Europa League…
Brendan Rodgers has seen his squad stretched to the limit ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash against Besiktas, with several first-team regulars all set to miss the match in Turkey.
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Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho, Mamadou Sakho, Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson have all missed the trip, with Rodgers expected to name a highly inexperienced bench including several academy players.
Here’s how we think the Reds will line-up:
GK) Simon Mignolet
The Belgian keeper secured his eighth clean sheet in 16 games on Sunday and should be full of confidence heading into this game.
DRC) Kolo Toure
Toure is yet to feature since returning from a victorious African Cup of Nations campaign with the Ivory Coast, and is definitely due a start here.
DLC) Dejan Lovren
The untimely injury to Sakho forced the Croatian into action against his former club Southampton on Sunday, so he’s unlikely to lose his place.
DC) Martin Skrtel
Skrtel should remain the constant in a much-changed back-line, and could even wear the captains armband in the absence of Gerrard and Henderson.
MR) Jordon Ibe
The young winger has been in sparking form since his inclusion in the first-team, and with Lazar Markovic currently suspended there isn’t much in the way of competition for this spot.
ML) Alberto Moreno
The Spaniard was left on the bench at the weekend, only to come on as a half-time substitute. Again, with Markovic out of this one, he should be a definite starter.
MC) Joe Allen
Arguably the only central midfielder left in the Liverpool squad, following injuries to Gerrard, Henderson and Lucas. He’s endured plenty of criticism this season, but needs a big game here.
MC) Emre Can
The Welshman will be joined in the midfield by Emre Can, who has established himself as a defender since December. Thankfully, he has plenty of experience playing in the centre, and it’ll be interesting to see how he does alongside Allen.
AMRC) Daniel Sturridge
The link-up play between Sturridge and Balotelli has looked promising in the past, and after sitting out the majority of the game against Southampton, the former will hope to justify his selection here.
AMLC) Raheem Sterling
He scored the crucial second goal against the Saints on Sunday, having started the game up front, but is likely to be playing behind a central striker this time around.
FC) Mario Balotelli
The Italian scored the only goal of the first leg, and having also netted against Tottenham Hotspur this month, he’ll now be aiming to add to his goal tally.
