Liverpool vs. Chelsea: Picking a Reds Starting XI to Blitz the Blues

Following on the heels of a convincing 3-0 win at Norwich City on Saturday, Liverpool came crashing back to Earth on Tuesday, losing to Fulham for the first time ever at Anfield. 

It was a performance that was as disappointing as it was familiar to supporters of the Reds this season, a continuation of the maddening inconsistency that has plagued the team all season.

A reasonable argument could be made that the result is not that shocking, considering the fact that Kenny Dalglish fielded, in essence, a reserve team ahead of Saturday’s clash with Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

The team Dalglish fielded against Fulham was as notable for who was in it (Fabio Aurelio, Jonjo Shelvey and Maxi Rodriguez, for instance) as it was for who was not (Luis Suárez, Craig Bellamy, Steven Gerrard for starters) and may have telegraphed his squad intentions for Saturday.

With this as a backdrop then, and injuries not a factor, here is a look at the projected squad sheet for the FA Cup Final against Chelsea on Saturday.

Goalkeeper: Pepe Reina

Not much needs be said here.  Reina has had a very disappointing season in goal, as measured against the extremely high standard the Spaniard has set since joining Liverpool from Villareal in 2005.

A couple seasons removed from his Golden Glove days as the Premier League’s undisputed best goalkeeper, Reina still instills more confidence than his star-crossed backup Alex Doni and will no doubt be Liverpool’s starting keeper on Saturday.

Right Back: Glen Johnson

Like most of Liverpool’s other starters, Johnson was rested against Fulham on Tuesday ahead this weekend’s clash.  Despite the hysterical clamoring in some corners for him to be supplanted by Martin Kelly, it is clear that Johnson enjoys the confidence of his manager and should get the start on Saturday.

Liverpool and Johnson will also be hoping that the England international repeats his last performance against Chelsea in the Carling Cup quarterfinal last November, when he scored late to steal victory for the Reds.

Right Central Defense: Martin Skrtel

Skrtel has rebounded from a shaky start to the season, which featured, among other things, a dismissal against Tottenham Hotspur in September. 

Since then, the Slovakian has solidified his role as Liverpool’s first choice right center-half.  His unfortunate own-goal against Fulham notwithstanding, Skrtel has earned the right to be on the field at kickoff.

Left Central Defense: Daniel Agger

This has arguably been the best of the Dane’s six seasons at Anfield, despite the fact that he’s been in and out of the lineup due to injury. 

The defender hurt his back against Tottenham during the white washing at White Hart Lane in September, then suffered cracked ribs in the Carling Cup victory over Cardiff City.

He is fully fit once again, having been slowly reintegrated back into the squad by Dalglish.  He has formed an excellent central defensive partnership with Skrtel and, in the absence of Jamie Carragher, is the longest tenured of the Liverpool defensive regulars.

That experience shows in his command of the final third and his comfort and confidence with the ball at his feet.  Liverpool with need every bit of his poise and experience against a streaking Chelsea club.

Left-Back: José Enrique

Enrique has had an up-and-down season, following a brilliant start to the season after coming over from Newcastle United.  He has been guilty of holding onto the ball too long and for offensive forays that invariably end without yielding any result.

With all that said, there simply is no disputing that he is Liverpool’s top-choice left-back and will again be starting on the field on Saturday.

Right Midfield: Stewart Downing

Downing came on as a sub against Fulham and unsurprisingly had little impact on the game.  It has been a lost season for the former Aston Villa wing player, but even so there has been little competition for his spot in the starting eleven. 

With Dirk Kuyt failing to distinguish himself in 75 minutes of action on Tuesday, expect Downing to get the nod ahead of the Dutchman on Saturday.

Right Central Midfield: Jay Spearing

Simply put, Spearing was dreadful against Fulham, with several giveaways in central midfield.  His best qualities are his grit and his willingness to put in a timely tackle. 

The wee Liverpuddlian has the makings of an excellent Championship player but has been unable to raise his performances to the standard required of a starting Premiership midfielder. 

It’s hard to knock a player who gives unqualified effort for every minute that he’s on the field, but the harsh truth is that he would not see much action were it not for the season-ending knee injury suffered by Lucas Leiva.

With that said, he remains a much better defensive alternative to the ineffective and frequently lost Jordan Henderson.  Liverpool will have a devil of a time containing the likes of Juan Mata and Ramirez, and Henderson is not the answer.  As such, look for Spearing to be on the field at kickoff.

Left Central Midfield: Steven Gerrard

Gerrard is a couple of seasons removed from his best days, but this is not to say that he is finished.  Injuries have been an issue the past several seasons, but when he’s on the pitch, he is often Liverpool’s most creative passer and best outfield player.  His presence in the starting eleven is a foregone conclusion.

Left Midfield: Craig Bellamy

Bellamy has been a revelation this season and has arguably been Liverpool’s most consistent player, though he has yet to play a full 90-minute match.  He has clearly lost a step from his peak playing days, but what he lacks in quickness, he more than makes up for with guile and effort.

His inventive runs on the flanks typically result in either a teasing cross or mazy run into the box.  Supporters have come to expect excitement whenever he’s on the ball, and his teammates are learning to find themselves in the box to capitalize on the opportunities he creates.

True to form, not much has come of those opportunities, but that’s through no fault of Bellamy’s.  Look for him to get the nod opposite Downing on Saturday. 

Forward: Andy Carroll

Carroll had a very active, if ultimately fruitless game on Tuesday.  He won the larger share of aerial balls sent his way and has become more adept at knocking down passes to his teammates. 

He finally seems to have settled in at Anfield after a season of struggles, so look for him to pair with Luis Suárez up top.

Forward: Luis Suárez

Liverpool’s enigmatic Uruguayan striker had his best game since joining the squad from Ajax 16 months ago, scoring a hat trick in spectacular fashion in the 3-0 victory over Norwich City.

Like Carroll, he too seems to be settling in the squad after a season of near misses and controversy.  His play of late has been steadier, and he is back to being his usual menacing self inside the penalty area. 

Most promisingly, his efforts finally seem to be bearing fruit, making him the most automatic choice for Dalglish on Saturday.

Substitutes

Alexander Doni

Martin Kelly

Raheem Sterling

Dirk Kuyt

Maxi Rodriquez

Jordan Henderson

Jonjo Shelvey