How Liverpool Will Line Up Against Swansea

Richard MorganSep 13, 2013

Liverpool travel to take on Swansea City in the Premier League on Monday night in front of the live TV cameras, and manager Brendan Rodgers will need to get his team spot on if he wishes to leave the Liberty stadium with the Reds’ 100 per cent start to the new season still intact.

However, luckily for the Northern Irishman, the Merseysiders did not suffer any injury problems during the recent international break. Rodgers does still have a number of tricky selection dilemmas to resolve regarding his starting XI in South Wales, however, most notably at the heart of the visitors’ back four.

Bearing in mind these issues, this is how we believe Liverpool will line up against Michael Laudrup’s Swans in the Principality in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet

1 of 12

The Belgium international was only on the substitutes’ bench for his country’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying win against Scotland in Glasgow. The stopper will therefore be refreshed and ready to go at the Liberty Stadium as he aims to record his fourth straight Premier League shut-out since joining the Reds from Sunderland this summer.

Right-Back: Andre Wisdom

2 of 12

Despite the England Under-21 captain getting sent off in Tuesday’s Euro 2015 qualifier in Finland, Andre Wisdom is still expected to be given the unenviable task of replacing the injured Glen Johnson on the right-hand side of Liverpool’s defence against the Swans.

Wisdom replaced the England international following his high ankle sprain against Manchester United earlier this month.

Centre-Back: Daniel Agger

3 of 12

Now one of the first names down on the Reds’ teamsheet, the ever dependable Daniel Agger will be on a high going into this fixture having scored a vital winner for his country in Armenia on Tuesday.

The Dane has yet to see the Reds concede a goal so far in the league this season.

Centre-Back: Martin Skrtel

4 of 12

The Slovakia international skipper should get the nod to partner Agger in central defence in South Wales on Monday night, despite the quicker-than-expected return to fitness of fellow centre-back Kolo Toure.

He staked his claim for a return to the starting lineup with an imposing man-of-the-match performance on his return to the team against champions Manchester United at the start of this month.

Left-Back: Jose Enrique

5 of 12

The capable Spaniard is now finally set to face some much-needed competition for his first-team spot at Anfield this season following the recent arrivals of both Aly Cissokho and Mamadou Sakho, although the 27-year-old has not put a foot wrong so far this season.

Defensive Midfield: Lucas Leiva

6 of 12

Lucas Leiva is another who virtually picks himself these days, and the Brazilian can expect to have to put in a real shift against Swansea on Monday if the Reds are to leave Wales having maintained their impressive unbeaten start to the new campaign.

Defensive Midfield: Steven Gerrard

7 of 12

The Liverpool captain gave a perfect illustration of just how to play this role while leading his country in their crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier in Ukraine on Tuesday night. It is more than likely that Rodgers will aim to utilise the 33-year-old in that same position at the Liberty, especially given that the Reds are away from home.

Central/Attacking Midfield: Jordan Henderson

8 of 12

The 23-year-old has made an eye-catching start to the new season after Rodgers surprised many by handing the Englishman a starting place in the Liverpool midfield for their Premier League opener against Stoke City.

And the confidence that Jordan Henderson seemingly gained from the faith his manager showed in him against the Potters has been reflected in his general all-round play ever since.

Left-Sided Forward: Philippe Coutinho

9 of 12

Again, a bit of a no-brainer, with the impish Brazilian schemer to be given the task of creating openings for the Reds from his berth out wide on the left of an attacking front three. It's highly likely the playmaker will also be given license to roam when play dictates.

Centre Forward: Daniel Sturridge

10 of 12

The Premier League’s joint top scorer with three goals is expected to have recovered from his thigh injury in time to start up front for the Merseysiders against the Swans, which will be of huge relief to everyone at the club. The 24-year-old has shown red-hot form in front of goal so far this season.

Right-Sided Forward: Iago Aspas

11 of 12

Liverpool’s recent recruit from Celta de Vigo will be itching to grab his first competitive goal for his new team since his switch from La Liga earlier this summer. Perhaps coming up against a number of his compatriots at the Liberty on Monday night will inspire Aspas to finally break his goalscoring duck for the Reds