After firing blank for two consecutive games against Hull City and Real Madrid last week, Brendan Rodgers is expected to make wholesale changes to his Liverpool side in search of a morale boosting win and a place in the next round of the Capital One Cup. Garry Monk’s Swansea side aren’t coming to Anfield to make up the numbers, however. The Swans have returned to winning ways at the weekend with a 2-0 victory over Leicester and in a crisis situation against a misfiring Liverpool side, the Welsh outfit will fancy their chances in this one. Let’s take a look at the Liverpool line-up likely to take the field tonight.
Goalkeeper:
Brad Jones
Simon Mignolet gets a deserved rest after a patchy run of form that saw him come under the scanner after his performance against Real Madrid. Reserve goalkeeper Brad Jones should start this one.
Defenders:
Manquillo, Toure, Lovren, Enrique.
Atletico Madrid loanee Javier Manquillo should come into the lineup for this one. The young Spanish full-back started the season brightly and would look to cement his place at the expense of the ageing Glen Johnson. Kolo Toure has been reduced to a bit-part player after the arrival of Dejan Lovren but the experienced campaigner is expected to get some much needed game time in this match. With Sakho still a couple of weeks away from full fitness, Dejan Lovren continues at the heart of the defence. The summer arrival has taken time to settle at the club but looks increasingly comfortable with every game. Jose Enrique may be second in the pegging order to Albert Moreno, but the Spanish full-back has the experience at this level to fill in at the left back spot.
Midfield
Can, Henderson, Markovic, Coutinho, Borini.
Emre Can came on against Real Madrid and proved he has the pace and the ability to drive the play from midfield. Alongside him will be the industrious Jordan Henderson who is likely to sit deeper against Swansea to negate Swansea’s counterattacking threat. The attacking midfield threesome of Markovic, Coutinho and Borini isn’t too shabby a trio to name in a League Cup game. Markovic has had limited opportunities in England and will look to make the most of his chance, while Borini offers versatility as he can play on the wings and also upfront alongside Rickie Lambert. Coutinho will play in the middle and will look to open up the game with his vision and passing range.
Striker
Rickie Lambert has started only a couple of games since his summer move from Southampton, and amidst Daniel Sturridge missing through injury and Mario Balotelli having more haircuts than goals since coming to England, the England international has a glorious chance of cementing a more regular place with a goalscoring performance against Swansea.
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