Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool started the New Year in less than ideal fashion after a 2-2 draw with Leicester City. The team was able to take a two goal lead after two penalty scores from Steven Gerrard, but they gave it away after Leicester turned up the pace of the game during the second half. Up next, they play the League Two side AFC Wimbledon in the third round of the FA Cup.
Goalkeeper
Simon Mignolet could not have done anything about the first goal but he could have been in better position for the second Leicester goal. He certainly did not convince Rodgers to avoid looking for a replacement goalkeeper to bring in during the winter transfer window. However, he should be able to keep a clean sheet against AFC Wimbledon.
Center Backs
After serving his one match suspension for accumulating too many yellow cards Martin Skrtel could make his return to the lineup. Dejan Lovren may also return after an injury spell and he will be looking to solidify his place in the lineup.
That leaves either Kolo Toure or Mamadou Sakho as the likely candidates to fill the last place on the back line and Rodgers may choose the Frenchman instead since he is younger and more fit.
Right Wing Back
Rodgers should give Javier Manquillo a chance to prove himself against AFC Wimbledon. The young Spaniard is only on loan to Liverpool and Rodgers will have to determine whether he should attempt to keep him or not.
This match will be the perfect opportunity for Manquillo to show off his talent against relatively weak competition.
Center Midfield
Emre Can has been playing in the defensive line for the past few matches but his true position is in central midfield and he may return to that spot against AFC Wimbledon.
He is an extremely talented player who has not been able to display his ability yet during his time in Merseyside. Jordan Henderson has shown that he is the ideal candidate to replace Steven Gerrard both on and off the field with his recent stretch of good form and his always important leadership. He should
If Rodgers truly wants to change his lineup, he could play the youngster, Jordan Rossiter, in central midfield. He has proven his talent after a great performance against Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup.
Left Wing Back
Lazar Markovic should make his return to the lineup after making way for Alberto Moreno the past two matches. Markovic has finally been able to find his position at Liverpool, one where he can really put his tremendous work rate and speed to good use.
Forwards
This match is the perfect opportunity for Rodgers to rest some players, preferably both Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho, with some key fixtures coming soon. That leaves Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli as the likely candidates to form the Liverpool attack.
Having both Lallana and Lambert in the attack allows them to display their good chemistry they formed while playing for Southampton. Meanwhile, Balotelli will be motivated to put forth a good performance after being relegated to the bench for much of the past month or so.
(4-3-3)
Via – Lineup Builder
