Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool have really struggled in the last few matches and it is almost certain that there will be no Champions League football in Anfield next year. The team just can’t seem to get the offense out of a funk, there are too many times where the team can’t find another way to score after the initial approach fails. If there is one team that they want to face, it would be one of the relegation teams in QPR.
Goalkeeper
Simon Mignolet will have to keep track of where Charlie Austin, the Premier League’s 4th highest scorer is at all times but he will also have to hope that he is not let down by his defense. While Mignolet has played well during this unfortunate slate of games, there are too many times where the defenders in front of him allow the opponent to take a good shot.
Right Back
Emre Can has been able to reinvent himself as a right back but he does have to curb his urge to get forward so that the team does not allow a dumb goal. He is still learning the nuances of the position and that can lead to him making a fatal error.
Center Backs
Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren played relatively well against Hull, however, all their good work was wasted by Balotelli failing to execute the offside trap. Lovren has been given lots of chances to prove that he is worthy of a starting spot and while he hasn’t been great, Rodgers has no choice but to play him.
Left Back
Glen Johnson has become the first team left back for the past few matches but it is surprising that Alberto Moreno has not made any recent appearances. This could be one of Johnson’s last matches in a Liverpool jersey and he should be motivated to play well to leave fans with a positive image.
Center Midfield
Jordan Henderson, Lucas Leiva and Joe Allen combination in midfield hasn’t gotten the proper run time it deserves. While having Coutinho in midfield generates more offense, the team can be exposed when the team loses the ball. For some reason, Rodgers hasn’t given Lucas playing ever since he returned from injury but his defensive ability and stability in midfield could only help the Reds.
Right Wing
Jordon Ibe has struggled to find the balance between going on his own and playing off his teammates. While he is still young, he should remember that the team works best when everyone shares the ball.
Forward
With Mario Balotelli now injured, Raheem Sterling should get the start up top. He has been his usual electric self during this recent stretch of matches and that has made it extremely difficult for the team to generate any good scoring opportunities.
Left Wing
Philippe Coutinho started in midfield in the last match but he should move further up the field against QPR. He has tried his best to create offense for the team but that hasn’t led to goals. Hopefully not having Balotelli in the lineup will allow the team to flow better.
