Liverpool FC: Predicting the Starting XI for the FA Cup Clash at Mansfield

Liverpool head into a Sunday FA Cup clash with Blue Square Bet Premier side Mansfield with plenty of options.

Via an article from The Guardian, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers left several hints about selection for the game, including news that Steven Gerrard would be rested, Daniel Sturridge would not start but would be used and that he intended to use the whole squad in an effort to rest key players. 

The FA Cup is an important competition, and even though Liverpool are playing a lower-league side, they will want to ensure victory by fielding a strong group. That said, a clash with Manchester United awaits Liverpool next Sunday. Rodgers will need to make sure the group is at optimal fitness for that game. 

So here is a prediction of the starting XI, using the hybrid 4-2-3-1 formation that Liverpool have used in recent months.

GK: Brad Jones

With first choice 'keeper Pepe Reina in Dubai, Brendan Rodgers will hand Brad Jones a start in goal.

Jones played well earlier in the season filling in for Reina. Liverpool should feel fairly comfortable with him playing his 11th game of the season.

LB: Jack Robinson

Though first-team opportunities have appeared limited for Reds left-back Jack Robinson this season, the youngster has already made twice as many appearances as last year and is likely set to make his fifth start of the year against Mansfield.

Robinson, who has a very bright future at Anfield, is a reliable defensive option, perhaps more so than some of Liverpool's regulars, and Brendan Rodgers will have absolutely no qualms about entrusting the 19-year-old starlet with a first XI role.

CB: Sebastian Coates

Despite Uruguayan centre back Sebastian Coates' sublime form this year, he has not seen much first-team action for the Reds.

Behind Jamie Carragher, he has been a good stand-in for regular first XI stalwarts Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel and has more than earned the trust of his fanbase.

Coates should be set to make his ninth appearance of the season for the Reds, though it could be his last, with the Reds looking to loan him out so he can gain more first-team experience.

CB: Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher, the 34-year-old center-back likely in his last years at Anfield, has seen his appearance number decline each of the last four seasons, but has appeared revitalized this season, given new trust under Brendan Rodgers.

As a more experienced, versatile, and perhaps technically able centre-back than the bigger and stronger Sebastian Coates, Carragher forges an excellent partnership with the Uruguayan. The two will be in lockdown mode as they seek to expel the advances of Mansfield's attackers.

RB: Andre Wisdom

Even before Jose Enrique's injury, Andre Wisdom would have been penciled in to start this game at right-back.

But now, with Wisdom having played in only one game since November and being set for what is almost sure to be another long run in the first-team, Brendan Rodgers will be keen to make sure his burly defender is in match shape.

Wisdom makes the 14th appearance of his debut season, rounding out a back-four that sees three changes from the group that kept a clean sheet against Sunderland in midweek but should still be able to handle Mansfield's Matt Green and Jake Speight without too much trouble. 

CM: Nuri Sahin

More than a few Liverpool fans have been surprised by Nuri Sahin's inability to break into the Liverpool first team in recent months.

After scoring three goals and providing three assists in his first 12 games with the club, Sahin has not featured for Liverpool since coming off after 11 minutes with a broken nose against Udinese in the Europa League almost a month ago, and has not played in the Premier League since early November. 

That said, he is almost a no-brainer selection against Mansfield, and will have a real opportunity to win a place back. Brendan Rodgers has shown a willingness to reward players for good form, and decent play from Sahin would see him reclaim his regular spot before long.

Nuri Sahin has the quality to run the game. A good performance from him will undoubtedly mean a Liverpool win.

CM: Joe Allen

The centre of midfield might just be Liverpool's deepest area, but summer signing Joe Allen has managed to hold down his place in the side well so far. 

But with Jordan Henderson excelling, Joe Allen has had the opportunity to rest a couple of times in recent weeks. He is fresh and ready to go against Mansfield. Alongside Sahin, Allen will make it very tough for the opponent in the centre of the park.

LAM: Oussama Assaidi

Finally another opportunity for underused Moroccan Oussama Assaidi to prove himself.

The 24-year-old has been the best player on the pitch at times for Liverpool this season, working tirelessly defensively, powering his way down the left flank going forward, and dazzling defenders with his skill and pace.

In so many ways, it is an oddity he hasn't had more opportunities in the Liverpool first XI.

Assaidi will be heading off to the African Cup of Nations later this month. Brendan Rodgers needs to make sure the former Heerenveen winger knows he is still in the Northern Irishman's first-team plans. This game presents a real opportunity for Assaidi to dent the scoresheet for the first time as a Red.

CAM: Suso

The 2012-13 season has been very kind to young Spanish midfielder Suso.

Despite not making his debut in the Premier League until the Brendan Rodgers era, Suso has featured in 17 games this season, becoming one of the Reds' real attacking stars.

And Suso gets another chance to prove himself on Sunday. Playing more centrally as opposed to the wing position he has occupied most of this season could benefit him greatly.

RAM: Stewart Downing

Forgotten Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has been appeared to have finally regained his form.

He has impressed recently in games against Fulham, QPR and Sunderland in the Premier League, and has actually been one of the club's real in non league games. To date, he has three goals and five assists in 24 total matches.

Brendan Rodgers will be keen to ensure Downing's confidence remains high. A good performance against a weaker Mansfield side would do that.

ST: Luis Suarez

With his 18 goals, Luis Suarez has already surpassed his goal total from last season, and if Liverpool are going to have any success in the FA Cup this season, the Uruguayan will play a big role.

He has spearheaded the Liverpool attack all season, and though he does deserve a rest, Luis Suarez is likely to start against Mansfield.

Ideally, the game will be won at half-time, at which point Brendan Rodgers can remove his superstar striker and replace him with new signing Daniel Sturridge.

After all, Suarez will need to be in peak condition against Manchester United next weekend.

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