In their last match against Chelsea, Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool were able to gain a good result with a 1-1 draw. They then face Championship side Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup this weekend.
It would make sense for Rodgers to rest many of his key players since there are only three days of rest between the Bolton match and the second-leg of the League Cup meeting with Chelsea. Rodgers should also use this match as an opportunity to play some of his young but talented players such as Jordan Rossiter, and Jordan Ibe.
Goalkeeper
Simon Mignolet should have confidence in his ability to keep a clean sheet against a Bolton team that has scored the 17th fewest goals in the Championship this season.
Since Mignolet has struggled in defending headers, he will have to keep track of Bolton defender Matt Mills who has scored 2 of his 3 goals from set pieces.
Center Backs
Both Martin Skrtel and Emre Can had excellent performances against Chelsea and they should be rewarded with some rest. On the other hand, Glen Johnson and Dejan Lovren have been fairly average this season and they will be looking to get back in Rodgers’ good graces in the match against Bolton.
Both are talented defenders haven’t been able to put it all together this season. Mamadou Sakho should remain in the squad as the lone defender who has been getting regular minutes.
Right Midfield
Javier Manquillo has been replaced by Lazar Markovic in the lineup for most matches, but Manquillo will be motivated to have a good performance this weekend.
He always has a good work rate that allows him to quickly get back on defense if the team loses the ball and he should have many opportunities to put crosses in the Bolton penalty area this weekend.
Center Midfield
With the news that Steven Gerrard is going to leave the team after the season, it would be nice to see some potential replacements get more playing time.
Jordan Rossiter is one of those players and he already introduced himself to most fans with his fantastic goal against Middlesbrough. Rodgers could pair the youngster with Lucas to add some defense to the midfield, but he could also play the recently recovered Joe Allen in order to rest the Brazilian midfielder.
Left Midfield
Jose Enrique hasn’t been able to regain his spot in the starting 11 since his long injury spell but he should make an appearance this weekend. He excelled in this position during his last healthy season in 2012-2013 so Rodgers will be comfortable placing him here.
If Rodgers truly wants to bring in young talent, he could play Jordan Ibe in the position since he played on the left wing during his time at Derby County early this season.
Forwards
A revamped front line of Fabio Borini, Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana may be Rodgers choice against a relatively average Bolton defense.
Both Borini and Lambert should have gained some confidence after scoring a goal each against Aston Villa a few matches ago, while Lallana should be trying to get some momentum back after some time on the sideline with injury.
(3-4-3)
Via – Lineup Builder
