Liverpool vs. West Bromwich Albion: How Reds Should Line Up in Premier League
After their disappointing 0-1 loss at Basel in the Champions League on Wednesday, Liverpool return to their Premier League duties with a clash against West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on Saturday.
Their 1-1 home draw in the Merseyside derby last Saturday means that the Reds haven’t won in the Premier League since their 3-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur back in late August, and they will be keen to get their league season back on track.
Meanwhile, West Brom romped to a 4-0 win over newly promoted Burnley at the Hawthorns on Sunday, with Saido Berahino scoring two goals, and Craig Dawson and Graham Dorrans completing the rout.
Here’s how Liverpool could line up on Saturday, in a 4-4-2 diamond formation.
Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet
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Having notched only two clean sheets in his past 17 games, Simon Mignolet has had to face increasing criticism over his recent form. He shrugged off suggestions about his future with recent comments, per the Guardian, but he will be aware that he needs to improve soon.
Right-Back: Javi Manquillo
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A few weeks into the season, and Liverpool’s back four basically pick themselves now. There will still be a debate on who the central defensive pairing should be, but their choices at full-back should almost be unanimous agreements. Javi Manquillo will start on the right.
Left-Back: Alberto Moreno
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He has had his share of lapses in concentration and defensive mistakes since signing for the club, but Alberto Moreno is clearly a star in the making. If he continues to improve in this vein, he might even force his way into Vicente del Bosque’s national team plans.
Center Back: Martin Skrtel
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Following a few games out due to injury, Martin Skrtel will now be looking to solidify his place in Brendan Rodgers’ first team. He might not have started scoring own goals yet, but neither has he replicated his prolific streak at the opposite end.
Center Back: Dejan Lovren
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Perhaps it’s too soon to say that Rodgers’ experiment of converting Dejan Lovren into a right-sided center back has failed. But it’s safe to conclude for the time being that Lovren has usurped Mamadou Sakho in the pecking order for the left side.
Holding Midfielder: Steven Gerrard
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Unquestionably, this should be the season when Rodgers starts to phase Steven Gerrard out and to plan for life after one of the greatest ever players in Liverpool history. Gerrard should no longer complete 90-minute games every week, but in the absence of Emre Can and Joe Allen, and with an international break on the horizon, he should start this contest.
Central Midfielder: Jordan Henderson
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Helping smooth the transition of his captain’s role over the course of the season will be his partner-in-crime, Jordan Henderson, who himself has stepped into the vice captaincy as part of a changing of the guard. Henderson has become a key part of the team and will be looking to up his game further.
Central Midfielder: Philippe Coutinho
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An encouraging second-half cameo against Everton paved the way for Philippe Coutinho to feature prominently against Basel midweek. Liverpool fans will be hoping that this week has marked the true start of Coutinho’s season. With Daniel Sturridge finally back to provide runs into space, deploying Coutinho deeper in the midfield could reap immense benefits.
Central Attacking Midfielder: Adam Lallana
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Liverpool’s summer spending spree hasn’t resulted in the significant strengthening of their squad depth just yet, as injuries have limited the number of players and options available to Rodgers.
Raheem Sterling’s frequent appearances in recent weeks have been counterbalanced by a dip in form. He sits this one out; Adam Lallana takes his place at the tip of the diamond.
Striker: Mario Balotelli
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After weeks of waiting to continue a promising strike partnership, Mario Balotelli finally has Daniel Sturridge back alongside him. Balotelli has led the line in admirable fashion for Liverpool, but his tendency to drop deep and involve himself in the attacking play means that his contributions will be augmented with Sturridge slightly ahead of him.
Striker: Daniel Sturridge
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Daniel Sturridge may not be fit enough to complete a 90-minute game immediately, but Saturday presents an enticing opportunity for him to make a triumphant return to the first team. There’s plenty of potential in a Sturridge-Balotelli partnership; now it’s time for them to fulfill it.
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