Expected Liverpool Lineup vs Aston Villa
Liverpool go into the game against Aston Villa amidst the speculation that Brendan Rodgers is on his way out of Anfield. Many news agencies already have us believing that he could well be gone before this side hosts Villa on Saturday. Not having begun very positively, every game is important for The Reds in their pursuit for Champions League football, irrespective of who the gaffer is. With four losses and just a solitary win in the first 6 games, Tim Sherwood will not be too pleased with his side. What he will be pleased with though is the prospect of facing a morally depleted Liverpool side.
This is how we believe the Merseyside club will line up versus Villa-
Goal Keeper- Simon Mignolet
Mignolet’s deficiency in commanding his box was evident against Norwich. While Adam Bogdan was brought in to push Mignolet to his best, Bogdan has merely been an understudy rather a healthy competition. Having already shipped 7 goals this season, Mignolet is under immense scrutiny and will need to up his game especially with Villa posing an aerial threat through the likes of Gestede. All said, Mignolet will start the game ahead of Bogdan irrespective of not being up to the scratch consistently.
Defenders- Clyne, Can, Skrtel, Sakho, Moreno
We expect Brendan Rodgers to continue with the same set up he used against Villa. With the likes of Agbonlahor and Grealish who has pace to burn Rodgers will be looking to mitigate the risk of counter-attack with a solid back three. Rodgers has often favoured a ball playing defender and at the moment, for want of better personnel is deploying Emre Can in that role (Note- We think Emre Can would be better utilised being the engine of the midfield). Sakho was impressive on his return to the side in the league and will be keen to show his manager that he is indeed the best defender at the club.
We expect Clyne and Moreno to be used as wing-backs. Moreno was outstanding versus Norwich and many people have started to believe that extended playing time can help him recover his lost confidence. Clyne on the other flank has been the most consistent Liverpool player this season with his impressive performances for an often dismal team and should retain his place in the starting line-up.
Midfielders- Lucas, Coutinho, Milner, Lallana
We expect BR to change things up a bit in the midfield to accommodate Adam Lallana into it. Lucas, despite not adding the required steel to the midfield is the best option at the club and will start as the defensive midfielder. We expect Milner to start as the right attacking midfielder and Lallana to feature as the Left attacking midfielder.
A lot of fans and critics already believe that Liverpool’s fortunes largely depend on the performances of Coutinho. He will be deployed just behind the lone striker and will be critical to this lacklustre side breaking the Villa defense.
Striker- Ings
I know many of you would go with Daniel Sturridge as the single striker. However, I believe Danny Ings has been one of the better players in this side when afforded a chance. He scored against Norwich and followed it up with another versus Carlisle. With Benteke looking doubtful due to a hamstring issue and Sturridge still rusty from lack of match fitness, Ings remains the best bet for this side, at least for now.
