Predicted Liverpool Lineup To Play Against Hull City – Lambert, Manquillo & Coutinho To Start

This season, Liverpool has so far struggled to recreate the magic from last term that saw them score an amazing 101 goals. At the same time, their defence has not improved either and still looks sloppy, despite the arrival of Dejan Lovren in the summer. Having just about gotten across the challenge of QPR last week, Liverpool were humbled at home by Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Brendan Rodgers and his Liverpool side would be desperate to capture back that attractive football that mesmerized everyone last term. But the departure of Luis Suarez has left a huge void to fill and Rodgers is still trying to figure out his best team combination, and it is in such a tough situation they welcome Hull City to Anfield this Saturday.

We take a look at the possible lineup for Liverpool against Hull:

GOALKEEPER:

SIMON MIGNOLET

The Belgian shot-stopper does not have any significant competition and will continue in front of goal. Mignolet has had his share of both praises and criticisms during his time at Liverpool so far, and would be looking to justify Rodger’s decision to opt for him over former goalie Pepe Reina with his consistent display.

DEFENCE:

JAVIER MANQUILLO, MARTIN SKRTEL, DEJAN LOVREN, ALBERTO MORENO

Having been benched for the matches against QPR and Real Madrid, Javier Manquillo is likely to get a recall into the starting XI on the expense of a not-so-impressive Glen Johnson. The young Spaniard has been doing well whenever he has been given a chance and would be keen to be back in the starting lineup once again.

Mamadou Sakho’s thigh injury is expected to keep him out for atleast 10 more days and that would mean Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren would continue at the heart of the defence. Although Kolo Toure offers an alternative, Rodgers is unlikely to place his trust on the 33 year old and would be happy to stick with Skrtel and Lovren.

In the left side of defence, Alberto Moreno was rested in the match against QPR as Jose Enrique got his first start of the season, but was immediately reinstated in the starting lineup for the match against Real Madrid and is likely to keep his place ahead of Enrique.

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MIDFIELD:

STEVEN GERRARD, JORDAN HENDERSON, RAHEEM STERLING, ADAM LALLANA, PHILIPPE COUTINHO

Having been fielded initially in ‘the hole’ against QPR, Steven Gerrard was quickly moved back to the central midfield role in the second half and the side looked better with him there. Against Hull, Rodgers may either opt for a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 and even though Joe Allen and Emre Can provide options alongside Gerrard, it would mostly be Jordan Henderson that would be deployed in the central double pivot yet again.

Raheem Sterling has been Liverpool’s star performer this season that he has started all but one match and has been forced to play the full 90 minutes in all but three games so far in the Premier League. Having been featured relentlessly, the youngster is slowly starting to show the signs of fatigue and Rodgers would be wary of it. But still, with Liverpool trying to find their combinations right, Rodgers is likely to start him yet again and would hope to sub him off towards the later part of the match.

Adam Lallana is expected to be recalled in the left of midfield after he came off the bench to replace Mario Balotelli at half-time against Real Madrid. The former Southampton captain has been eased into the squad after his return from an injury that kept him out at the start of the season and now seems to be getting back to his devastating form from last season.

Phillipe Coutinho was dropped from the side after a poor run of form, but came back strong with an impressive outing and a very important goal against QPR. Coutinho came close to adding one more to his tally when he hit the bar against Real Madrid in Liverpool’s Champions League tie. He would hope he could get another start and continue his good form.

FORWARD:

RICKIE LAMBERT

With the jersey-swap issue adding fuel to his miserable form, Mario Balotelli is likely to be benched for the match on Saturday. With Daniel Sturridge already out with injury, this would open up the chance for Rickie Lambert to start upfront. The veteran has not got enough chances to start and would cherish this opportunity and would look to open his tally for Liverpool.