Ahead of Liverpool’s FA Cup third round trip to League Two AFC Wimbledon, Henry Jackson picks three players he’d like to see start the match – and three who need a rest.
It has been an extremely busy few weeks for Liverpool in terms of fixtures, with four Premier League games in the space of 11 days. Eight points from those matches is pretty reasonable.
The likelihood is that this relentless schedule will have taken its toll on many Reds players, however, with some featuring in every game over the festive period.
With Wimbledon looming in the FA Cup third round on Monday evening, it is imperative that Rodgers rotates his side a little. If you can’t beat a League 2 side without some of your key players, you don’t deserve to reach the next round in truth.
Here is who the Northern Irishman should look at starting and resting for the trip to Kingsmeadow.
START
SHEYI OJO
Much has been made of the progress Ojo has made, and the huge talent he possesses, and it makes perfect sense to give him his Liverpool bow on Monday.
The 17-year-old, who joined the Reds from MK Dons in 2011, is a pacey, tricky winger who can thrive on either flank; there are clear comparisons to be made with Raheem Sterling.
Had Liverpool not suddenly squandered a two-goal lead against Leicester on New Year’s Day, chances are Ojo would have been given his debut in the second-half. Unfortunately, things didn’t quite go to plan.
There is an argument to say that throwing a youngster into the Reds side at an old-school ground, against a physical lower league side, is a risk, but with experienced players alongside him there is no reason why Ojo won’t flourish.
The 24-year-old seems to have fallen completely out of favour under Rodgers, and there can be little doubting that Liverpool’s attack has had far more pace and fluency without him in the team.
It looks as though he will only be a fringe player for the remainder of the season, when he will likely leave, which means starting games like this.
The Italian may look like he couldn’t care less at times, but deep down he is a sensitive soul who will want to prove a point to his manager.
There is so much talent at Balotelli’s disposal, and it’s such a shame he can’t seem to showcase it on a consistent basis. A starting berth and a couple of goals against Wimbledon could give him a huge confidence boost.
SUSO
Suso is something of a forgotten man on Merseyside, having been so highly-rated during the early months of Rodgers’ reign at the club.
The 21-year-old Spaniard, who made 14 appearances for the Reds in 2012/13, spent last season on loan at La Liga side Almeria, while injuries have hampered him since his return to Liverpool.
Having missed two months of action he is now back fit, and although there is a definite risk element in starting him- he could be extremely rusty- the level of opponent is far more inferior than bringing him back against a Premier League side.
Perhaps a place in the squad, with a second-half cameo, is more sensible, and likely, but he has the quality to slot into the starting eleven effectively.
3 to rest»
petikan dari Liverpool FC, This is Anfield, Teamtalk
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