Liverpool vs Swansea: 5 Key Battles for Reds and Swans

Liverpool plays host to Swansea City at Anfield this weekend with much anticipation for another Reds victory. Their win over West Bromwich last weekend finally earned them the three points from a match after two frustrating draws.

Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez continue to improve on their partnership, and Carroll did well to score from his chance, even if it looked a little sloppy.

It is not always easy for big guy to have a lot of grace.

Seeing the Reds without Steven Gerrard seems to unfortunately be turning into the norm. Another injury flare up from an infection is causing the Captain to remain on the sidelines once again.

But, to see Jamie Carragher also miss a match at the same time due to injury almost seems unheard of.

However, that will likely be the case again this week with Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel set for another trip to the center of defense together. Despite many people knocking on Skrtel's skill, his partnership with Agger looks to be the future for now.

Jordan Henderson has shown improved form as of late, and he will most likely be in the line up again. He will be a key part of whether or not the Reds have creative support from the midfield.

Scott Sinclair and Danny Graham will no doubt be the biggest headaches for the Reds to deal with, but it should be a great matchup all around and a great game to watch.

Danny Graham vs Lucas Leiva

Lucas continues to make his presence felt after his return to the lineup. Following a one-match suspension for having five yellows, Lucas is back to patrolling the midfield portion of the defensive third.

His opposition this week will be Danny Graham. The forward had a slow start to the season but has picked up the pace recently with some great performances, scoring four goals in the last four games.

Those goals have lead him to the top of Swansea's scoring charts with four for the season.

Graham likes to drop in and out of the top, and Lucas will have to be on top of his game to keep Graham from orchestrating from the top of the box, along with Joe Allen and Scott Sinclair.

Scott Sinclair vs Martin Skrtel

Scott Sinclair is without a doubt the biggest threat to the Liverpool back line, aside from Danny Graham.

The 22-year-old forward has a deadly goal-scoring record if he is allowed to take five or more shots. All three of his goals this season came in games where he was given time to make something happen.

Martin Skrtel will have to be the man to quell any danger from the Englishman. While Daniel Agger is making moves forward, Skrtel will have to be ready at the back.

The Slovakian was a stalwart for the Reds last season starting in every match. Although he has been in and out of the first team this season, he should have enough skill to keep Sinclair at bay.

Michel Vorm vs 5-Plus Shots on Goal

Liverpool have not been beaten in the last seven games. In those games since their brutal loss at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, all Liverpool fans will be hoping to forget that the market effort for the attack to make their presence known.

Swansea have only won a single game, in which Michel Vorm has been tested more than three times on his net. That victory was against West Brom, whom the Reds dispatched last weekend.

Other than that, the Swans have managed one draw where Vorm has made seven saves against the Wolverhampton Wanderers, who the Reds have also defeated.

On average, the Reds have produced 17 shots with an average of six per match being on goal during each game. If Liverpool takes the game to Vorm in front of the Kop, it should be their victory to lose.

Jordan Henderson vs Leon Britton

With Steven Gerrard still sidelined, once again young Jordan Henderson could return to the playmaking midfield role for the Reds.

Henderson has looked in better form the last few games, and has proven he can provide great service with his cross that found Luis Suarez for the Carling Cup winner at Stoke City.

Leon Britton will attempt to hold him back in midfield, and it will be a good battle to watch unfold.

Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez vs Themselves

One of the biggest question marks continues to be the ability for not only Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez to build a great partnership, but for both of them to continue to be on target.

Suarez has a load of shots on goal—many of them only a whisker away from having been key goals in should-have-been victories for the Reds.

I have heard rumors that Andy Carroll's goal last weekend was an unconvincing finish. It was pretty well-handled for the position his body was in, and the space he had to even get off an effort.

Not many other big men would have actually gotten that right.

However, they both have to continue to push themselves and each other to build a lethal strike duo up front.

Conclusion

Liverpool should be easy victors for this game.

However, after Norwich barnstormed them to a near upset two weeks ago, the Reds need to make sure they keep it together at the back. Luis Suarez and the rest of the attackers also have to make sure they have their finishing touches polished and ready.

You can see the full preview for this match as well as the rest to the weekends EPL match ups in this article, English Premier League: EPL Week 11 Preview and Predictions.

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