Liverpool’s defeat at Old Trafford put a lot of pressure on the shoulders of Brendan Rodgers. A crowdfunding, which is attempting to throw Rodgers out of his job, had been made by the Reds supports. Given how legitimate the crowdfunding was, Rodgers is now facing a make-or-break situation as a Liverpool manager.
On coming Sunday, Liverpool will face Norwich City. With the captain, Jordan Henderson, who will miss out the game due to a heel injury, the Reds needs to secure three points to avoid falling out of the top four race in the early season.
Goalkeeper
Simon Mignolet
Conceding six goals in two consecutive matches would highly put a keeper’s position on doubt; however, Brendan Rodgers will likely not bring Adam Bogdan to the goal. As the only experienced keeper in the squad, Mignolet remains still as the Reds number in goal, despite a couple of shaky moments against United, especially almost getting caught out by Marouane Fellaini from a poor roll-out in the early stage in the game at Old Trafford.
Right Back
Nathaniel Clyne
Producing a comparably better performance than the rest of the players at Old Trafford; Clyne effectively limited United’s offense and will no doubt be selected to start the game at Anfield on this weekend.
Center Backs
Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho
Despite of having another poor performance, Skrtel will still start the game at Anfield due to the lack of effective center back choices in the squad. Furthermore, leaving out Sakho from the starting XI has been a questionable call from Rodgers since the starting of this season. Sakho is capable of bringing the creativity from the back line; therefore, he is a reasonable choice to replace Dejan Lovren in the coming fixture.
Left Back
Alberto Moreno
The lack of pace and desire to go forward was a reason to the defeat at Old Trafford; there’s no doubt that Joe Gomez has been surprising consistent by far; however, Moreno is more experienced than Gomez and has the speed and willingness to actively join the offense. Hence, Rodgers needs to throw out the philosophy of playing safe and go out with a more adventurous choice.
Midfielders
Emre Can, Lucas Leiva and James Milner will be the ideal choice for the Reds’ center midfield. Can has the physical attribute to battle in the middle. Lucas will be the anchor man to release the defensive pressure of both Can and Milner, who will be able to push the line higher up and provide sufficient helps to the Reds’ front line.
Attacking Midfielder
Philippe Coutinho
The returning of the 23-year-old Brazilian international will give the Reds an immediate impact on the Reds’ offense. He is going to be an essential to the Reds’ season; therefore, and Rodgers will need him to spark his magic once again in order to earn the three points against Norwich.
Forwards
Christian Benteke
A goal to remember, the Belgium international showed his quality in the red shirt with style on last weekend. Benteke had two league goals by far, and even though it’s not the most convincing stats to prove his deadly instinct on goal, he is expected to lead the line for the Reds.
Danny Ings
The 23-year-old has not yet shown his best in red shirt. In order to do so, Rodgers will have to play Ings as one of the two up front, instead of pulling Ings to wide positions. Ings had 11 league goals for Burnley last season; he can score, and he will be a valuable part for Reds’ success if he could be played at the right position.
(4-5-1)
