Liverpool FC: A Second String Eleven for Brendan Rodgers in the Cups

Liverpool enjoyed hugely successful cup runs last season, with the reds finishing runners-up and winners in the two competitions they were eligible for. The end of the trophy drought was undoubtedly the brightest highlight of Kenny Dalglish's second era at Liverpool.

Brendan Rodgers knows this and will be keen to emulate Dalglish by providing fans with another cup run this coming season.

That being said, the Champions League spot remains the principle focus for the Anfield men. Therefore, it is likely that the cups will play host to some younger players, and 'second-string' players.

Here is my second string starting eleven, for use in the cups and Europa League.

GK: Pepe Reina

This picture is of our number one playing against Stoke City in the FA Cup last season.

Liverpool have three goalkeepers: Pepe Reina, Alexandre Doni and Brad Jones. The two latter haven't seen much first team action, and I don't think that's a trend that'll be changing anytime soon, ruling out injury or suspension to Reina.

He's simply too good, and doesn't get tired; he's a goalkeeper.

RB: John Flanagan

John Flanagan was integrated briefly into the first team set-up last season, but with competition for the right back spot coming from Martin Kelly and Glen Johnson, Flanagan will have to bide his time for first team action.

I expect Glen Johnson's form to be rewarded with the starting line-up spot, with Kelly limited to a subtitute's spot. Flanagan should stay with Liverpool, avoiding a loan, and try to impress in the Europa League ties and Cup competitions.

For now, though, he remains third choice at right back.

CB's: Martin Kelly and Jamie Carragher/Sebastian Coates

The HUB of the defence will be a mixture of youth and experience, with Kelly and Carragher joining Flanagan in defence.

Carragher's leadership would provide the whole team with hearing problems but also a sense of security and know-how at the back, which is key to any defence.

However, youngster Sebastian Coates is an exciting prospect and will be keen for game time. He is probably a better defender than Carragher right now, so the choice is a difficult one.

LB: Jack Robinson

Liverpool's lack of depth in the wide areas, both attacking and defending, was well documented before the arrival of Jose Enrique and Stewart Downing.

Robinson is the second choice left back behind Jose Enrique after the departure of Fabio Aurelio.

CM: Charlie Adam

Charlie Adam shouldn't start under Brendan Rodgers unless he improves significantly, and fast.

Until that time, he remains a substitute and starter for the cup games for me. He needs game time, and the cup games should give him a chance to re-find—or find—the midfielder's touch he had against lower class opposition.

The cups represent an ideal opportunity for the Scott to re-find his feet.

CM: Jordan Henderson

Believe it or not, Jordan Henderson is one of my favourite Liverpool players.

However, my love for him doesn't blindfold me. Henderson needs to improve, but he has time to. He shouldn't be loaned out, such a move after a 20 million transfer would look rather defeatist, but he should be limited of a starting place and shunted out to the second-side to open his eyes a bit.

He's not there yet. He's not even close.

He needs footballing opportunities, but doesn't deserve a starting place just yet. He's not a bad player, and would help the cup ambitions, no doubt.

CAM: Joe Cole

Joe Cole is another player I personally have an affection for, but again I concede that he does not deserve a starting place at Liverpool at the moment. He's running out of time, too.

Expect a lot of substitute performances and cup starts, in his preferred attacking midfielder role. If Cole impresses, he may get that starting place in the first team he so desperately wants.

This position, as with Henderson's and Adam's, could also be taken by Jonjo Shelvey.

RAM: Maxi Rodriguez

Maxi is very good if you're one the type of Liverpool fans who doesn't watch matches, but prefers to look at score cards and claim yourself up-to-date.

However, if you actually analyse his performances, too often he is unspectacular. Sure, sometimes he links up well with others, especially Luis Suarez, but so often he is non-existent in matches, and for this reason won't have too many minutes in the first team.

LAM: Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling experienced a mini break-through into the first team, and will be keen to do so again this season. Expect to see Sterling on the bench for some Premier League games, and pushing for starts in the cups.

Sterling is young, but not short of confidence, and Rodgers has expressed faith in Sterling and youth in general, so Sterling starting in the cups shouldn't be a surprise and would be great for the fans to see.

CF: Craig Bellamy

Rodger's 'tiki taka' style of play doesn't really include a stand-out striker's position—like Andy Carroll—so Craig Bellamy would be a suitable candidate to lead the line. I feel that Carroll, Suarez and a potential new addition will all get sufficient league action not to start the cup games, while Bellamy is an ideal candidate to play in the cups for Liverpool.

So my line-up looks like this:

Reina.

Flanagan, Kelly, Coates/Carragher, Robinson.

Henderson, Adam.

Maxi, Cole, Sterling.

Bellamy.

There are of course alternatives. Thoughts?