Liverpool could move to the top of the Premier League table with a win against Crystal Palace this weekend.
Brendan Rodgers’ side are two points behind Arsenal which means victory at Anfield would see them top the table until at least Sunday afternoon, when the Gunners travel to West Brom.
This is an important game for Liverpool who were exposed in their last league game at Anfield against a very efficient Southampton team.
Here is the side Liverpool may go with.
GK – Simon Mignolet
Mignolet is Liverpool’s number one and he’ll continue in goal as he continues to impress. His ability to make saves from difficult positions is world class and his command over the defence is improving with each match.
RCB – Kolo Toure
On the right hand side of the defence Kolo Toure is likely to keep his place. Toure has been class since he arrived as a free agent having left Manchester City at the end of last season. He covers a lot of ground.
CB – Martin Skrtel
Right in the middle of the defence should be Martin Skrtel. The Slovakian defender continues to perform consistently, preventing Daniel Agger from coming back into the team.
LCB – Mamadou Sakho
On the left hand side of defence, Mamadou Sakho is likely to continue after looking much more solid in the win at Sunderland. Sakho is very quick, which allows him to cover a lot of ground and he’s good in the air which takes care of Palace’s aerial threat.
RM – Raheem Sterling
Sterling could find himself with a start due to Lucas’ suspension. Sterling will run the right hand side regularly but he will need cover because he’s unlikely to drop back and fill in at right-back when the side is under a lot of pressure.
GIF – Liverpool defender shares a moment with Sunderland ace
DM – Jordan Henderson
Expect to see Henderson moving into a central midfield position, just in front of the back four. He makes simple passes and sensible decisions which means he should be effective in terms of turning defence into attack quickly. He’ll need to be aggressive to win back possession quickly.
CM – Steven Gerrard
Gerrard should continue in his normal central position. He’ll be the midfielder urged to make runs from deep, popping up in positions late which will make it hard for Palace to keep him quiet.
AM – Victor Moses
Moses has played well in an attacking midfield role. He can drift into a wide position when needed and will rotate with Sterling and Jose Enrique at times during the game. His touch and reading of the game in behind the attack is much better than many will give him credit for.
LM – Jose Enrique
The Spaniard will play a duel role, primarily as a left sided midfielder but also as someone on the left side of defence. He’ll stay glued to that side of the pitch throughout the game, staying forward where possible to ensure width.
ST – Daniel Sturridge
Sturridge has to play because he’s been one of the side’s best attacking players all season. He continued his good run of form and he’s effective when drifting out to the left hand side if Enrique finds himself under pressure and not have much success on that side of the pitch.
ST – Luis Suarez
Suarez will continue through the heart of the attack. He’s the best player Liverpool have when it comes to an all out goal threat and he’ll give Palace problems throughout the match.
What do you think? Should Sterling start? Should Aspas come in with Henderson on the right?
image: © kong niffe
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