Steven Gerrard's Looming Suspension Shouldn't Change Liverpool Selection

Should Steven Gerrard be booked in Liverpool’s Premier League clash at West Ham this Sunday, he will be suspended for two games—including the crunch game against tile rivals Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, April 13th.

The official line from the Football Association is that any player receiving “ten cautions by the second Sunday in April” will receive a two-match ban.

The FA even have their own naughty list of players one yellow card away from the ban, including Liverpool’s Gerrard, Chelsea’s Ramires and Arsenal’s Mathieu Flamini.

A Big Loss

Losing Gerrard would undoubtedly be a massive blow for Liverpool. He is the key leader and inspiration for their title push. He encapsulates the football club. He is Liverpool.

This season, Gerrard has flourished in his new, deeper role in midfield, controlling the pace of games and using his experience to build Liverpool’s attacks from the back.

Since Gerrard settled into his new role following an injury over the festive period, Liverpool haven’t lost a game. They’ve won 12 and drawn two, scoring 42 goals in the process.

Every Game's A Cup Final

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But as much as Gerrard is needed for the “big” games like Man City’s visit to Anfield, he is just as much needed for games like this weekend’s trip to Upton Park, so there is little argument for resting him from the starting line-up to ensure his availability against City. 

Besides, Gerrard’s ninth yellow card came against Cardiff City three games ago, and having got through victories over Sunderland and Tottenham last week without being booked, the 33-year-old skipper just needs to urge slightly on the side of caution.

To Rodgers and his team selection, the potential suspension makes no difference, as quoted by Chris Bascombe of The Telegraph as saying:

"

We just have to cope with it. I have spoken to Stevie about it and we just have to be that extra bit more careful. I think he has been very unlucky with his last two bookings. There was one against Manchester United that should never have been a booking because he won a header. He was also unfortunate at the weekend because he committed a foul which also should not have been a booking. We didn’t help him because we gave away the ball so cheaply.

"

Rest If Cruising

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There is some validity in the scenario that if Liverpool were leading and in full control of the game at West Ham on Sunday, it may be wise to withdraw Gerrard from the game both to reduce the potential to be booked and for some valuable rest.

Just as Gerrard was replaced in the 70th minute against Tottenham, Brazilian Lucas is ready to step in and be the perfect direct replacement for the England skipper.

Lucas, too, can play in that holding role and make a seamless switch playing in between Liverpool’s back line and pressing midfield.

The 27-year-old is hungry for games too, with hopes of being called up to Brazil’s World Cup squad this summer still a very realistic prospect. 

But Rodgers has warned him to concentrate on what is happening at Liverpool, with international recognition to follow. As per David Maddock of the Mirror, Rodgers said:

"

I know it's been hard for Lucas because since he got his injury the team has done really well in his absence. Steven in that role is a world-class operator.

The difference now is that rather than playing with two defensive midfield players we are playing with one. There is more emphasis on the attacking element.

Hopefully it won't hinge on that because I think he's already done enough to get in the squad for the World Cup.

"

Liverpool must go to West Ham on Sunday with no anxiety regarding suspensions. Rodgers must name the line-up he would always intend to.

Every game on Liverpool’s title run-in needs to be handled as it comes, but still with a certain degree of forward-thinking educated sensibility.