Basel vs. Liverpool: How the Reds Should Line Up in Champions League Game
Just a few days after a rough 1-1 draw at Anfield in the 223rd Merseyside derby against Everton, courtesy of a late Phil Jagielka stunner, Liverpool will be traveling to Basel for their second game of the Champions League group stage.
An otherwise encouraging and much improved performance was on track to secure all three points for the Reds for the first time since their win at Tottenham Hotspur almost a month ago, before Jagielka broke their hearts with a strike worthy of winning any match.
With Daniel Sturridge finally back in full training, as reported by the Daily Mail, Brendan Rodgers will be encouraged as he takes his side to Switzerland in an attempt to notch their first ever victory against Basel.
Here’s how Liverpool could line up on Wednesday, in what seems to have become Rodgers’ favored 4-2-3-1 formation.
Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet
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After a shaky start to the season, Simon Mignolet showed some semblance of his previous form with a decent display against Everton on Saturday, only beaten by an unstoppable strike in stoppage time. Rodgers will be looking for more of the same.
Right-Back: Javi Manquillo
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Since his arrival on loan from Atletico Madrid, Javi Manquillo has consistently put in mature performances at right-back, belying his junior years and the fact that he is in his first full season of professional first-team football. He has installed himself as the firm first choice on the right.
Left-Back: Alberto Moreno
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If early-season form is anything to go by, Liverpool’s acquisitions at full-back have been far and away their best pieces of business in the summer. With his sense of adventure and frequent forays forward, Alberto Moreno has committed a few positional and defensive errors, but he has shown enough to suggest that he will be the Reds’ starting left-back for quite a while yet.
Center Back: Martin Skrtel
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As a defensive pair, Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren turned in probably their most accomplished display at the back in the draw against Everton. Barring any big injuries, Rodgers will likely install them as his first-choice center backs.
Center Back: Dejan Lovren
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Dejan Lovren has come under increasing criticism from Liverpool fans for a series of unconvincing performances, but Mamadou Sakho’s temper tantrum on Saturday will not have helped his chances of returning to Rodgers’ first team soon. Lovren will start against Basel.
Holding Midfielder: Steven Gerrard
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After a week of intense criticism and fresh questions asked of his ability to play as the deepest midfielder in a dynamic team, Steven Gerrard’s resurgent display and excellent free kick against Everton went some way to answering his critics.
With Brendan Rodgers continuing to sing his captain’s praises in the aftermath of the derby, as reported by the Liverpool Echo, it would be a surprise if Gerrard fails to start in Switzerland.
Central Midfielder: Jordan Henderson
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A standout first-half performance from newly appointed vice-captain Jordan Henderson on Saturday showed the potential that he has to develop into one of the league’s best central midfielders. He is now firmly installed as Gerrard’s first-choice midfield partner.
Right Forward: Adam Lallana
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Two successive man-of-the-match displays from Adam Lallana have gone some way to dispel the fact that he was not cut out to be a star for Liverpool. Now nearing full fitness, Lallana will be eager to continue his fine form at his new club.
Left Forward: Raheem Sterling
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Daniel Sturridge’s injury absence and Lazar Markovic’s failure thus far to settle into the Premier League mean that, for the time being, Raheem Sterling will need to continue to start for Liverpool, despite signs that he is tiring from overexposure.
Just as they did against Everton, Sterling and Lallana will be granted the freedom to switch flanks and vary up the Liverpool attack when needed.
Central Attacking Midfielder: Philippe Coutinho
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If any evidence was needed to show what a rest from regular first-team football can do to rejuvenate a player, Philippe Coutinho provided it on Saturday. After coming on as a substitute for the misfiring Markovic, Coutinho rediscovered his form and was close to his mercurial best.
He will improve even further when Sturridge returns to provide an attacking outlet off the last defender’s shoulders, but Coutinho has earned the right to return to the starting lineup.
Striker: Mario Balotelli
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While Daniel Sturridge is seemingly at his last stage of recovery, Wednesday should still come too soon for him.
Rodgers should exercise caution and blood him back into the side. Mario Balotelli will continue in his role as lone striker for the time being.
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