Liverpool vs. Bolton Wanderers: Issues and Decisions That Can Shape FA Cup Game
Liverpool welcome Bolton Wanderers to Anfield on Saturday evening in FA Cup action, and both sides will be confident of a result.
Reds manager Brendan Rodgers has overseen a significant upturn in form of late, while Bolton's Neil Lennon will set his side up for a gritty, determined performance against Premier League opposition.
The last time the two teams met was in January 2012. The Trotters sealed a 3-1 victory over Kenny Dalglish's side with goals from Mark Davies, Nigel Reo-Coker and Gretar Steinsson.
Naturally, Rodgers will be hoping for a much different outcome this time around.
Here are the key issues and decisions that can shape Saturday's fourth-round clash.
Should Rodgers Rest Top Talents?
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With this fixture unhelpfully sandwiched between two Capital One Cup semi-final games against Chelsea, Rodgers must be wary of overusing his star players.
The likes of Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho, Lazar Markovic and Jordan Henderson are vital parts of Liverpool's successful system, and the Reds manager may consider resting these players.
"We'll make some changes," Rodgers confirmed in his pre-Bolton press conference, per the club's official website. "But it's a game we want to win and we want to progress into the next round.
"We've got some very good players and we'll look to make changes, but not too many."
On Saturday, Liverpool need to find the right balance between rotating key players and ensuring victory.
Will Eidur Gudjohnsen Start?
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The footballing world rejoiced as former Bolton striker Eidur Gudjohnsen re-signed for the club in December last year. The majestic Icelander first rose to prominence with the club at the turn of the century.
"The opportunity came up and I couldn't find one negative reason not to," Gudjohnsen said of the move, per BBC Sport. "It feels like home straight away again, which is a good thing."
The 36-year-old has slotted straight into the Trotters' squad, scoring one goal and making one assist in six Championship games so far.
Gudjohnsen has been rotated with fellow striker Craig Davies in recent weeks, and Lennon will likely be weighing up their qualities ahead of this tie.
What Gudjohnsen can offer is considerable experience, and his nous could hurt Liverpool.
Which Liverpool Youngsters Will Feature?
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Rotation and the inevitable underestimating of Championship opposition in the FA Cup often results in the selection of promising youth players for such games.
In Liverpool's case, Rodgers has several that are genuinely capable of competing against this calibre of opposition, and the manager can utilise their attributes if he chooses to rest some of his regular stars.
Rodgers has already confirmed, per the club's official website, that midfielder Jordan Rossiter will feature.
Elsewhere, the likes of Sheyi Ojo and Jerome Sinclair have a case for consideration, while midfielder Jordan Williams' new contract, per the Liverpool Echo, suggests he has a big future at the club.
After recalling winger Jordon Ibe from his loan spell with Derby County, it is unfortunate that the winger is cup-tied for this clash.
Can Emile Heskey, Jay Spearing Perform and Hurt Their Old Side?
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Along with Gudjohnsen, another seasoned professional joined Lennon's side in December in 37-year-old former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey, and he has dominated coverage ahead of this tie.
Heskey scored 60 goals in 223 appearances for the Reds, and his partnership with Michael Owen under Gerard Houllier is one of the most successful in Premier League history.
"It's a wonderful thing to go back to Anfield," Heskey told BBC Sport this week. "I'll hopefully get a good reception and play my heart out. To be there on that stage brings the best out of you."
The No. 19 has scored one and made another in four Championship appearances so far.
Midfielder Jay Spearing is another former Red in Bolton's ranks, with the Liverpool academy graduate moving permanently to the Macron Stadium in 2013.
With that being said, The Bolton News suggests he could soon move once again.
If either Heskey or Spearing feature on Saturday, Liverpool will encounter a highly determined threat.
Fabio Borini or Rickie Lambert?
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If Rodgers chooses to rest Sterling on Saturday, the manager will have a quandary as to which striker to select as the 20-year-old's replacement.
The manager confirmed before the game that Daniel Sturridge won't be fit to return following injury, while the Press Association (h/t This is Anfield) claims that Mario Balotelli won't feature, either.
This leaves either Fabio Borini or Rickie Lambert as Liverpool's No. 9, and both will be in confident spirits after scoring in the recent 2-0 victory away to Aston Villa in the Premier League.
"He’s making the contribution we want him to make, starting some of the games or coming off the bench to have an effect," Rodgers said of Lambert after the game, per Kristian Walsh of the Liverpool Echo.
Neil Jones of the Echo also relayed Rodgers' comments on Borini as "a great example of persistence."
Both offer Liverpool different physical qualities but similar levels of commitment.
This decision could shape the side's attacking game, with Borini more in keeping with the intensive, pressure-based style Liverpool have been thriving with of late.
Statistics via WhoScored.com.
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