Liverpool are in action against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium this afternoon (4:10pm kick off) looking to end their poor run of form at the Potteries.
Kolo Toure and Martin Skrtel partner each other in defence – the last time they did so was the defeat at Hull City.
Liverpool: Mignolet, Johnson, Skrtel, Toure, Cissokho, Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson, Sterling, Coutinho, Suarez.
Stoke City: TBA
Liverpool are in action against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium this afternoon (4:10pm kick off) looking to end their poor run of form at the Potteries.
Kolo Toure and Martin Skrtel partner each other in defence – the last time they did so was the defeat at Hull City.
Liverpool: Mignolet, Johnson, Skrtel, Toure, Cissokho, Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson, Sterling, Coutinho, Suarez.
Stoke City: TBA
Luis Suarez says it is important that Liverpool are now playing more like a unit as they look to continue their progression up the Premier League.
Suarez signed a new long-term deal with Liverpool in December, and now the club will hope to attract new players to play alongside him, whilst building a team that helps the club and Suarez achieve their ambitions.
Suarez believes the team’s success this season is largely down to players knowing each other’s games, as well as having a tight defence.
“Last year, we knew we could play better,” Suarez told the club’s official website.
“This season we try to play together more, with Raheem, Philippe and Daniel, now he is back. Jordan and Stevie help us in the box.
“But also, if we didn’t have a really good defence or very good goalkeeper, you can’t stay at that level. We are together and that is important.”
Liverpool hope to have both Mamadou Sakho and Daniel Sturridge fit for Sunday’s game at the Britannia Stadium.
Sakho has recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat at Chelsea last month, whilst Sturridge has been missing since November with ankle ligament damage.
Stoke City vs Liverpool gets underway at 4.10pm and it’s live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Luis Suarez says it is important that Liverpool are now playing more like a unit as they look to continue their progression up the Premier League.
Suarez signed a new long-term deal with Liverpool in December, and now the club will hope to attract new players to play alongside him, whilst building a team that helps the club and Suarez achieve their ambitions.
Suarez believes the team’s success this season is largely down to players knowing each other’s games, as well as having a tight defence.
“Last year, we knew we could play better,” Suarez told the club’s official website.
“This season we try to play together more, with Raheem, Philippe and Daniel, now he is back. Jordan and Stevie help us in the box.
“But also, if we didn’t have a really good defence or very good goalkeeper, you can’t stay at that level. We are together and that is important.”
Liverpool hope to have both Mamadou Sakho and Daniel Sturridge fit for Sunday’s game at the Britannia Stadium.
Sakho has recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat at Chelsea last month, whilst Sturridge has been missing since November with ankle ligament damage.
Stoke City vs Liverpool gets underway at 4.10pm and it’s live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Liverpool finished seventh in the Premier League last season, some 28 points adrift of champions Manchester United. More significantly, perhaps, they ended the campaign 12 shy of fourth-placed Arsenal.
When asked in May about his hopes for the year ahead, boss Brendan Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo :
“What we need in the second year of this project is to find a great level of consistency. There is a process of getting into the top four and becoming champions and that is consistency.
I’ve loved every minute of being here and the small steps of where we want to go. But now I want to make bigger steps.”
The Reds have clearly found that consistency and currently sit in the all-important fourth position after 20 games. Whilst staying there will prove challenging, here are three reasons why I believe they have every chance of doing so:
1. Luis Suarez is playing the best football of his career
The Uruguayan international struck an impressive 23 goals in 33 top-flight starts last term. He has taken things to a whole new level this time around though, bagging 20 in just 15 Premier League appearances.
Were he to revert to his 2012/13 scoring levels, then he would still strike 13 more times. Furthermore, that figure would rise to 24 should he continue at his current rate.
Daniel Sturridge and Steven Gerrard are capable of contributing on this front as well, so the team possesses the firepower to succeed.
2. Toughest tests come at Anfield
Liverpool have already played six of the current top-eight away from home:
A trip to Old Trafford represents their toughest remaining fixture, though David Moyes’ men have been struggling on their own patch recently.
Manchester United, Tottenham and Everton are the Reds’ most likely challengers for fourth, but they each have at least three tough away days on the horizon.
3. Inexperience and inconsistency amongst their challengers
Everton have attracted plenty of praise since Roberto Martinez took up the reins, yet they have little experience of qualifying for the Champions League.
The same could be said of Tottenham, particularly with Tim Sherwood now at the helm.
Manchester United, on the other hand, know exactly what is required to succeed. They are going through a transitional period, however, and it is difficult to see them finding their best form any time soon.
You could argue that Liverpool have not dined much at the top table of European football in recent years, but that should make them hungrier than ever to get back there.
Liverpool finished seventh in the Premier League last season, some 28 points adrift of champions Manchester United. More significantly, perhaps, they ended the campaign 12 shy of fourth-placed Arsenal.
When asked in May about his hopes for the year ahead, boss Brendan Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo :
“What we need in the second year of this project is to find a great level of consistency. There is a process of getting into the top four and becoming champions and that is consistency.
I’ve loved every minute of being here and the small steps of where we want to go. But now I want to make bigger steps.”
The Reds have clearly found that consistency and currently sit in the all-important fourth position after 20 games. Whilst staying there will prove challenging, here are three reasons why I believe they have every chance of doing so:
1. Luis Suarez is playing the best football of his career
The Uruguayan international struck an impressive 23 goals in 33 top-flight starts last term. He has taken things to a whole new level this time around though, bagging 20 in just 15 Premier League appearances.
Were he to revert to his 2012/13 scoring levels, then he would still strike 13 more times. Furthermore, that figure would rise to 24 should he continue at his current rate.
Daniel Sturridge and Steven Gerrard are capable of contributing on this front as well, so the team possesses the firepower to succeed.
2. Toughest tests come at Anfield
Liverpool have already played six of the current top-eight away from home:
A trip to Old Trafford represents their toughest remaining fixture, though David Moyes’ men have been struggling on their own patch recently.
Manchester United, Tottenham and Everton are the Reds’ most likely challengers for fourth, but they each have at least three tough away days on the horizon.
3. Inexperience and inconsistency amongst their challengers
Everton have attracted plenty of praise since Roberto Martinez took up the reins, yet they have little experience of qualifying for the Champions League.
The same could be said of Tottenham, particularly with Tim Sherwood now at the helm.
Manchester United, on the other hand, know exactly what is required to succeed. They are going through a transitional period, however, and it is difficult to see them finding their best form any time soon.
You could argue that Liverpool have not dined much at the top table of European football in recent years, but that should make them hungrier than ever to get back there.
With the January transfer window now well underway, Jack Lusby (@LusbyLatest) assesses whether there is a case to replace Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva.
It’s no secret that Liverpool are looking to strengthen their midfield and one player whose position seems under constant scrutiny as a result is that of defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva.
Having risen from Anfield’s underbelly to become one of the club’s most consistent performers, the Brazilian is now often made a pariah due to the understated nature of his position.
So is there good reason to replace Liverpool’s tough-tackling midfielder?
Post-Injury Form
There is definitely a case to suggest that, over the past two seasons, Lucas’ overall form has slumped.
In an injury-hampered 2012/13 season, Lucas managed 26 games for the Anfield club, proving a composed presence in the centre of midfield when fit.
He averaged 55% duels won, and won 73% of attempted tackles, while committing 52 fouls in the process.
This season, the player has an average of 47% of duels won, has won 44% of attempted tackles and has made 36 fouls – even more significant when considering Lucas has only played 17 games so far this season.
However, statistics can only show so much of a player’s performance, and Lucas’ role is still a key one for a developing Liverpool side.
Key Player?
In Liverpool’s 2-0 FA Cup 3rd Round victory over Oldham, Lucas was one of many key players to be initially rested by Brendan Rodgers.
With the game 0-0 at half-time, the defensive midfielder was bought into the game to add balance and protection to a midfield now tasked with a more ambitious passing game.
This highlights the need for a diligent defensive presence within a modern football team, and Lucas remains one of the league’s finest.
In the above graphic – via Squawka – I have compared Lucas to fellow defensive midfielders from Premier League rivals: Arsenal’s Mathieu Flamini, Everton’s Gareth Barry, Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel, and Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin.
Having played more minutes, Lucas still retains a respectable average in comparison to his competitors.
The fact that Lucas has significantly higher numbers of tackles and headed duels won portrays his importance to Liverpool’s defensive game.
In particular, when compared to Merseyside rival Barry, his defensive game proves hugely impressive, with higher percentages in tackles, take-ons, and headed duels.
Hull City Defeat
Measuring Lucas’ ability within the current Liverpool squad can be seen in his performance in the 3-1 loss at Hull City in December.
In a tragic team performance, the Brazilian was one of the few Liverpool players that could retain any dignity following the final whistle.
As shown in this image, Lucas was a constant presence in Liverpool’s midfield:
Furthermore, Lucas’ positive performance was supplemented by an exemplary passing average of 92%, completing 70 of 76 attempted passes.
Passing is one aspect that Lucas has improved this season. Last season, the player boasted a decent average passing accuracy of 87%. However this season, in line with his composed performance against Hull City, this has risen to an average of 91%.
This suggests that Lucas is developing his game under Rodgers.
With the player only recently celebrating his 27th birthday, it is generally considered that he would be reaching his prime within the next few years.
Injury Prone?
However, with a history of lengthy injury layoffs it can be questioned whether Rodgers can rely on his current charge on a long-term basis.
Having missed large portions of previous seasons with serious injuries, the Grêmio academy-product is in danger of being labelled injury prone.
Currently without a genuine backup in his position, another spell on the sidelines could cause Rodgers to look elsewhere in order to maintain his lofty ambitions.
The Future for Lucas?
There are several options for Rodgers to consider with regards to defensive midfield when looking forwards.
Deploy Gerrard Deeper
With Steven Gerrard ageing it is likely that the Englishman will be moved further back into Liverpool’s engine room to accommodate for his diminishing legs.
This may impact on Lucas’ position as deploying two deep-lying midfielders may jar with Rodgers’ favoured higher, pressing game.
Such is Gerrard’s status, and his potential to adjust into a deeper role, Lucas may be the unfortunate party.
Provide Lucas with competition
It can’t be ignored that since the devoted-but-lacking Jay Spearing was shipped out, Lucas has enjoyed an essentially unchallenged tenure.
Signing competition for the position may provoke a positive response from the player.
Sign a Replacement
If Rodgers were to find a genuine upgrade on his current defensive midfielder things could change rapidly, as evidenced by Mamadou Sakho’s ruthless ousting of Daniel Agger in recent weeks.
A player along the lines of Barcelona’s Alex Song or Javier Mascherano would provide a more than capable replacement for Lucas as Liverpool challenge for domestic honours. However it would prove a tough task to sign a talent of such magnitude.
Where Would That Leave Lucas?
Overall, while he has his detractors Lucas is still an assured member of the regular starting midfield for Liverpool and is a player who knows his position on the field, having grown into it.
Signing a world-class defensive midfielder would represent a coup for the club. Without the attraction of Champions League football it would be hard to convince any player to make this “step down”.
Furthermore, the Brazilian is by all accounts a dressing room favourite. Lucas in particular acts as a figurehead for the club’s young South American contingent.
I believe that replacing such an important member of the current squad would be short-sighted of Liverpool at this current juncture.
With Brendan Rodgers more likely to add to his attacking options this January, the manager will surely be content with his trusted defensive stalwart until the right option becomes available. Liverpool can do a lot worse than Lucas Leiva.
With the January transfer window now well underway, Jack Lusby (@LusbyLatest) assesses whether there is a case to replace Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva.
It’s no secret that Liverpool are looking to strengthen their midfield and one player whose position seems under constant scrutiny as a result is that of defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva.
Having risen from Anfield’s underbelly to become one of the club’s most consistent performers, the Brazilian is now often made a pariah due to the understated nature of his position.
So is there good reason to replace Liverpool’s tough-tackling midfielder?
Post-Injury Form
There is definitely a case to suggest that, over the past two seasons, Lucas’ overall form has slumped.
In an injury-hampered 2012/13 season, Lucas managed 26 games for the Anfield club, proving a composed presence in the centre of midfield when fit.
He averaged 55% duels won, and won 73% of attempted tackles, while committing 52 fouls in the process.
This season, the player has an average of 47% of duels won, has won 44% of attempted tackles and has made 36 fouls – even more significant when considering Lucas has only played 17 games so far this season.
However, statistics can only show so much of a player’s performance, and Lucas’ role is still a key one for a developing Liverpool side.
Key Player?
In Liverpool’s 2-0 FA Cup 3rd Round victory over Oldham, Lucas was one of many key players to be initially rested by Brendan Rodgers.
With the game 0-0 at half-time, the defensive midfielder was bought into the game to add balance and protection to a midfield now tasked with a more ambitious passing game.
This highlights the need for a diligent defensive presence within a modern football team, and Lucas remains one of the league’s finest.
In the above graphic – via Squawka – I have compared Lucas to fellow defensive midfielders from Premier League rivals: Arsenal’s Mathieu Flamini, Everton’s Gareth Barry, Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel, and Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin.
Having played more minutes, Lucas still retains a respectable average in comparison to his competitors.
The fact that Lucas has significantly higher numbers of tackles and headed duels won portrays his importance to Liverpool’s defensive game.
In particular, when compared to Merseyside rival Barry, his defensive game proves hugely impressive, with higher percentages in tackles, take-ons, and headed duels.
Hull City Defeat
Measuring Lucas’ ability within the current Liverpool squad can be seen in his performance in the 3-1 loss at Hull City in December.
In a tragic team performance, the Brazilian was one of the few Liverpool players that could retain any dignity following the final whistle.
As shown in this image, Lucas was a constant presence in Liverpool’s midfield:
Furthermore, Lucas’ positive performance was supplemented by an exemplary passing average of 92%, completing 70 of 76 attempted passes.
Passing is one aspect that Lucas has improved this season. Last season, the player boasted a decent average passing accuracy of 87%. However this season, in line with his composed performance against Hull City, this has risen to an average of 91%.
This suggests that Lucas is developing his game under Rodgers.
With the player only recently celebrating his 27th birthday, it is generally considered that he would be reaching his prime within the next few years.
Injury Prone?
However, with a history of lengthy injury layoffs it can be questioned whether Rodgers can rely on his current charge on a long-term basis.
Having missed large portions of previous seasons with serious injuries, the Grêmio academy-product is in danger of being labelled injury prone.
Currently without a genuine backup in his position, another spell on the sidelines could cause Rodgers to look elsewhere in order to maintain his lofty ambitions.
The Future for Lucas?
There are several options for Rodgers to consider with regards to defensive midfield when looking forwards.
Deploy Gerrard Deeper
With Steven Gerrard ageing it is likely that the Englishman will be moved further back into Liverpool’s engine room to accommodate for his diminishing legs.
This may impact on Lucas’ position as deploying two deep-lying midfielders may jar with Rodgers’ favoured higher, pressing game.
Such is Gerrard’s status, and his potential to adjust into a deeper role, Lucas may be the unfortunate party.
Provide Lucas with competition
It can’t be ignored that since the devoted-but-lacking Jay Spearing was shipped out, Lucas has enjoyed an essentially unchallenged tenure.
Signing competition for the position may provoke a positive response from the player.
Sign a Replacement
If Rodgers were to find a genuine upgrade on his current defensive midfielder things could change rapidly, as evidenced by Mamadou Sakho’s ruthless ousting of Daniel Agger in recent weeks.
A player along the lines of Barcelona’s Alex Song or Javier Mascherano would provide a more than capable replacement for Lucas as Liverpool challenge for domestic honours. However it would prove a tough task to sign a talent of such magnitude.
Where Would That Leave Lucas?
Overall, while he has his detractors Lucas is still an assured member of the regular starting midfield for Liverpool and is a player who knows his position on the field, having grown into it.
Signing a world-class defensive midfielder would represent a coup for the club. Without the attraction of Champions League football it would be hard to convince any player to make this “step down”.
Furthermore, the Brazilian is by all accounts a dressing room favourite. Lucas in particular acts as a figurehead for the club’s young South American contingent.
I believe that replacing such an important member of the current squad would be short-sighted of Liverpool at this current juncture.
With Brendan Rodgers more likely to add to his attacking options this January, the manager will surely be content with his trusted defensive stalwart until the right option becomes available. Liverpool can do a lot worse than Lucas Leiva.
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