Liverpool vs. Swansea: Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Premier League Game

Liverpool host Swansea City at Anfield on Monday night, looking to build on their improved form of late and Boxing Day defeat of Burnley.

But they'll find tough opposition in Garry Monk's side, who are three points ahead of them in the table and arrive on the back of two 1-0 victories, against Aston Villa and Hull City.

When these two sides met in the League Cup earlier this season, Reds assistant boss Colin Pascoe claimed that it was "possibly the best [Liverpool had] played all season." Mario Balotelli hit a late equaliser and Dejan Lovren headed the winner in stoppage time in that game.

We take a look at the key issues and decisions that will decide this Premier League encounter.

Rodgers' Formation

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Rodgers has opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation for his side's last four fixtures, which has certainly seen improved performances.

Much of that has been due to the decision to finally push Raheem Sterling into a central role, supported by Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho. That trio gives Liverpool a much more dynamic attack able to press the ball high up the pitch.

Rodgers now has Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli both back in contention, and he may be forced to use one of them in these festive fixtures, with Sterling now having started 12 games in a row.

However, Liverpool's new shape has meant full-backs Alberto Moreno and Javier Manquillo have been cast out. The Spanish duo have been unused substitutes in the Reds' last three games. A change from a back three to a back four could see them return to the team.

Bony's Presence

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This match last season saw Liverpool escape with a dramatic 4-3 win, with Wilfried Bony in particular causing the home side a host of problems.

The Ivorian scored from the spot and also headed a goal that was later put down as a Martin Skrtel own goal. Skrtel couldn't cope with Bony's physical presence.

With eight goals to his name this season, Bony arrives at Anfield as a man in form. How Liverpool—and particularly Skrtel—handle him will be key to the outcome of this match.

Liverpool's Goalkeeper Situation

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Brad Jones' thigh injury, suffered early on against Burnley, has made him a doubt for the match, meaning Simon Mignolet is likely to return to the starting XI.

For most supporters, Mignolet is by far the better of the two 'keepers, but he does seem to be suffering a crisis of confidence at present, which was evidenced by his failed clearance when he allowed the ball to cross the line against Burnley.

If Jones isn't passed fit, young Danny Ward will take his place on the bench.

Monk's Rotation Options

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With the games arriving fast over the festive fixtures, all managers must decide how to manage their squad and how and when to rest key players.

"It's never about 11 players, never. Those 11 players change regularly," Garry Monk said after his side's win over Aston Villa.

Monk made four changes against Villa and had made seven in the match before that against Hull City. Clearly, he's building a strong squad, but how much he rotates it could be key to getting success at Anfield.

Steven Gerrard's Role

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Two questions persist over Steven Gerrard: What is his role in the side, for he was largely anonymous against Burnley, and will he start this game, having started the last five games in a row?

The captain surely cannot start against both Swansea and Leicester (on New Year's Day). Resting him for this middle fixture seems most logical, meaning Jordan Henderson could move into a central role.

That would open up a space on the right side of midfield. Alternatively, Henderson could stay wide and Emre Can could come into midfield.