Liverpool will take on Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Anfield on Saturday lunch time, looking to consolidate their top four position.
The Reds were left frustrated in the last match against West Bromwich Albion, where despite taking the lead, they had to return with one point from the game.
Brendan Rodgers said yesterday that three defenders – Agger, Sakho and Johnson are close to returning to full fitness but this game comes too soon for all of them.
As often the case with big games, we can expect another tactical battle at Anfield. Rodgers could be looking to exploit Arsenal’s weak midfield (mainly due to injury and suspension to key players) by deploying more bodies to control the game.
The key decision Rodgers will have to make is whether to include Joe Allen for this tie, in a 4-3-3 system. Luis Suarez will have to drift on the left-hand side in that case, though in Rodgers’ flexible formation, it should not hamper the balance of the team.
However, if Rodgers wants to continue with Coutinho in the side and rely on the attacking quartet in a flexible 4-4-2 formation, this could be the line-up.
Prediction: 1-1; Liverpool have won 8 of their last 9 home matches in the Premier League, but Arsenal are undefeated in 11 of their last 12 matches against Liverpool in all competitions. Expect a draw.
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