After a disappointing and frankly insipid goalless draw against Hull City, Liverpool welcome Swansea City to Anfield. Liverpool missed the chance to surge ahead in the league table and their wastefulness was punished by the likes of Arsenal who moved ahead of the Reds on goal difference. Brendan Rodgers' stunning insistence on playing one up top was his downfall once again as Liverpool failed to break down a resilient Tigers defence. While Hull City did play well and were strong at the back, Liverpool played into their hands. There was no speed in the play with Mario Balotelli often isolated up top. The full backs Alberto Moreno and Javier Manquillo were not their usual attacking selves and did not involve themselves in the game much. Raheem Sterling, who has been visibly fatigued over the past few games, produced a weary and jaded performance with nothing noteworthy. It only took the arrival of substitutes Rickie Lambert and Phillipe Coutinho to bring a bit of life to the team.
The positive to take from this game is that Lambert and Balotelli linked up well together. While the presumed consensus suggested that the two big men could not exist together, the evidence pointed to the contrary with both exchanging good bits of play with one another. Another glimmer of hope could come from the resurgence of Phillipe Coutinho. The recalled Brazilian international had a very disappointing start to the season with no incision to his play but the past few games have suggested that things are changing. Against Hull, Coutinho came on and immediately looked busy and had some nice bits of skill. He almost even won the game after jinking past two defenders to play a scintillating ball for Balotelli in the dying embers of the game but unfortunately, the latter was not able to convert. Still, despite the prevalent lifelessness and morbidity, there still is a silver lining and with the defence having a much more comfortable outing than usual, all hope is still not lost. But, now, the Reds face a stern challenge in the form of high flying Swansea City in the Capitol One Cup. The Reds will almost certainly not find it easy against the Welsh opposition who have played some exhilarating football under Garry Monk.
Suggested Line Up
The positive to take from this game is that Lambert and Balotelli linked up well together. While the presumed consensus suggested that the two big men could not exist together, the evidence pointed to the contrary with both exchanging good bits of play with one another. Another glimmer of hope could come from the resurgence of Phillipe Coutinho. The recalled Brazilian international had a very disappointing start to the season with no incision to his play but the past few games have suggested that things are changing. Against Hull, Coutinho came on and immediately looked busy and had some nice bits of skill. He almost even won the game after jinking past two defenders to play a scintillating ball for Balotelli in the dying embers of the game but unfortunately, the latter was not able to convert. Still, despite the prevalent lifelessness and morbidity, there still is a silver lining and with the defence having a much more comfortable outing than usual, all hope is still not lost. But, now, the Reds face a stern challenge in the form of high flying Swansea City in the Capitol One Cup. The Reds will almost certainly not find it easy against the Welsh opposition who have played some exhilarating football under Garry Monk.
Suggested Line Up
Brad Jones
------------ Ryan Mclaughlin----------Martin Skrtel----------Dejan Lovren--------Brad Smith
Lucas Leiva
Jordan Rossiter------------------Jordan Henderson
Phillipe Coutinho
Mario Balotelli----------------Rickie Lambert
- I think that it is only fair that Brad Jones get a fair try in the Cup which as of right now is not of paramount importance to Liverpool. Simon Mignolet has not been dazzling but not clueless at the same time and it would not hurt to give Jones some game time.
- The full baks have played a lot of games and racked up a lot of miles and it showed against Hull City. It would therefore be wise to rest them before the game against Newcastle.
- However, it is imperative that the centre-backs stay the same as both Lovren and Skrtel need confidence and comfort in playing next to one another and that will only come with more game time.
- Lucas Leiva is a solid DM and a good squad player to have. Steven Gerrard is in desperate need of a rest and Lucas is there to provide cover. On the other hand, Jordan Henderson had a rest against Hull and should play against the swans next to Jordan Rossiter who looked really promising on his debut in the previous round against Middlesborough.
- The front three of Coutinho, Lambert and Balotelli are in need of getting some rhythm and confidence going and after promising signs against Hull, it is important for them to continue the good work.
Prediction - 2-2 Draw with Liverpool winning on penalties. I do not think Liverpool will be able to handle the Swansea attack who are bound to give the defence a tough time and as a result, I see them leaking goals. However, I also see Liverpool scoring with Lambert getting on the scoresheet. With the way Liverpool took their penalties against Middlesborough, I think they can beat the Swans on penalties.
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