AFC Wimbledon vs. Liverpool: How the Reds Should Line Up in FA Cup Clash

Liverpool face League Two side AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup third round on Monday night looking to avoid what would be a classic cup giant-killing—something the Dons did most famously against their more illustrious opposition in the final in 1988.

Brendan Rodgers must therefore be careful about the side he picks to play at Kingsmeadow, aware that a severely weakened side could fall prey to the underdogs.

It's always tricky to predict a potential XI for a cup match, particularly against lower-league opposition and in the early rounds. This one is made harder by the busy festive fixtures, meaning several key players for Liverpool are desperately in need of a rest.

In pre-season, Rodgers outlined his desire to win a cup competition this campaign, per the Daily Mail, and the FA Cup provides another opportunity to do so. The final falling on Steven Gerrard's 35th birthday would be a fitting finale for the departing skipper too.

Here's how the Reds could line up on Monday night.

GK: Simon Mignolet

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Usually for cup games, Rodgers might use Brad Jones. However, the Aussie stopper has been missing since picking up an injury in the Boxing Day clash at Burnley.

That means Simon Mignolet is an automatic selection in goal.

CB: Emre Can

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We're anticipating Rodgers sticking with three at the back, meaning Emre Can will continue on the right of the trio.

The German has impressed there in recent games, and he offers Rodgers a ball-playing defender.

The manager could, however, look to rest the youngster and play Kolo Toure there if the Ivorian is fit before he heads off to the Africa Cup of Nations later this month.

CB: Martin Skrtel

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Martin Skrtel missed the Reds' last game after picking up his fifth booking of the season for a daft challenge against Swansea. Therefore, he will come back into the side at the heart of defence.

Rodgers sees Skrtel as a key part of his defence despite his often erratic performances.

CB: Dejan Lovren

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Speaking before the New Year's Day clash with Leicester City, Rodgers said that injured centre-back Dejan Lovren would "definitely" be fit for the Wimbledon FA Cup match, per the club's official website.

The Croatian will therefore—as much as many supporters might not want him to—replace Mamadou Sakho on the left side of the back three.

RM: Javier Manquillo

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Hopefully Jordan Henderson will be moved into a more central area rather than wasted out wide, meaning Spaniard Javier Manquillo can come back into the side and give natural width on the right side of midfield.

CM: Jordan Henderson

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Jordan Henderson was moved out wide to accommodate Steven Gerrard returning against Leicester despite having one of his best games for some time in a central role in the 4-1 win over Swansea days earlier.

Hopefully he will return to the middle again against Wimbledon.

CM: Steven Gerrard

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The last thing Steven Gerrard needs after the last week is to be on the bench for this match. He needs to be playing and the attention be back on the football.

Lucas Leiva played a lot of football during December, so he could use a rest, and Gerrard's experience against lower-league opposition would be useful.

LM: Lazar Markovic

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Serbian attacker Lazar Markovic could replace Alberto Moreno on the left, with Rodgers looking to rotate and freshen up his side.

Markovic impressed in the role in a similar match against Bournemouth in the League Cup last month.

AM: Adam Lallana

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Fitness permitting, Adam Lallana could line up in his new role behind the centre forward, where he has looked much more comfortable in recent games.

AM: Sheyi Ojo

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It would be nice to see Rodgers give a youngster an opportunity in this match, and an attacking player would be an easier one for him to risk.

Seventeen-year-old Sheyi Ojo was among the travelling squad for several games during December, per This Is Anfield, and he was an unused sub against Burnley and Leicester.

A pacey winger who can play either side of attack, Ojo could add some pace to Liverpool's attack.

CF: Rickie Lambert

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With Raheem Sterling having started 13 games in a row and played more than any other Liverpool player this season, the 20-year-old desperately needs to be rested for this game.

Having excluded him from the squad against Leicester, Rodgers seems intent on forcing Mario Balotelli out of the club this January, so another exclusion here could get the message home to the Italian.

Therefore, Rickie Lambert could start up front.

The alternative is Fabio Borini, but that would cup-tie him should he depart Anfield in January.