Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson in Liverpool frame for Norwich’s visit

Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge and captain Jordan Henderson could both make their comebacks in Sunday’s home clash with Norwich, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has indicated.

Sturridge has been back in full training since last week after recovering from a hip operation in May, while midfielder Henderson this week underwent a specialist procedure in the United States in an attempt to cure an ongoing heel problem.

And Rodgers said on Friday: “Jordan will train today so we’ll see how he comes through that – he has obviously been away and had some work done on his foot, so hopefully all will be well with that but we’ll assess it over the next 48 hours.

“Daniel has been training with the team now for a week or so and again we will assess that in relation to the game.”

As well as Sturridge and Henderson, sidelined since mid-August, Liverpool were also without the key figure of Philippe Coutinho for last weekend’s 3-1 loss at Manchester United as the playmaker served a one-match suspension.

That result left the Reds with only seven points from their opening five Barclays Premier League games of the season, a sequence in which they scored just three goals.

Rodgers has already stressed his confidence things will improve for Liverpool, performance and results-wise, as time goes on. And he reiterated that on Friday, adding that the return of various personnel – midfielder Joe Allen is also now fit after missing the season so far due to a hamstring problem – will be vital.

“We now have players hopefully coming back, which will add to the squad and see us go on a run of games where we can perform well and get the victories,” he said.

“Daniel, on his game, is one of the best there is – there are not too many who can compare with him when he is at his level.

“When he can stretch teams like he can with his pace and the wonderful variety in his finishing, you put Christian (Benteke) alongside that, Coutinho in behind that or to the side of it, then other players support that – it is a really exciting dynamic.

“We have probably been waiting for that for quite a period of time but those types of players like Daniel, with that quality, can give a totally different perspective to your team.

“And the reality is we are only a few points off where we’d want to be and there is still a long way to go.” With regard to the scrutiny Liverpool are under and their search for goals and points, Rodgers has emphasised the importance of staying calm.

“It is about never getting too carried away if you win or disappointed if you lose,” he said.

“It (the lack of goals) has been an ongoing issue for a little while now but we will get there, and the players coming back will enhance that quality in the team and give us a greater opportunity to score goals.

“I think it’s very important you remain calm and, for me, I always focus on what I can control – I can’t control what is written or said about me.

“All I can do is control the team and how we operate, and try to maximise what I can get out of the players available.”

Defender Kolo Toure is another who will be assessed ahead of Sunday’s top-flight game at Carrow Road after he came off in the first half of Thursday’s 1-1 Europa League draw at Bordeaux due to a dead leg.

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Mamadou Sakho set for new long-term Liverpool deal

Mamadou Sakho is “close” to agreeing a new five-year Liverpool deal, according to reports on Friday.

Sakho has been struggling for first-team opportunities at Anfield with Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel preferred in central defence, but Brendan Rodgers handed the French international a start and the captaincy in Thursday night’s 1-1 draw at Bordeaux in the Europa League.

Paul Joyce of the Daily Express reports:

The France defender’s representatives are due to hold talks with chief executive Ian Ayre today in a meeting planned before Sakho returned to Liverpool’s line-up in the Europa League stalemate with Bordeaux.

Whilst The Guardian‘s Andy Hunter writes:

It was expected the 25-year-old would assess his first-team prospects before committing to fresh terms but, following further talks between Anfield officials and Sakho’s representatives on Friday, the defender is close to committing his future to the club until 2020.

After Thursday’s game, Sakho valiently said, “I’m working and I’m a Liverpool soldier. And, when you call on me, I always rise to the challenge.”

Due to both injury and selection, the 25-year-old has made just 47 appearances for the Reds since his move from Paris Saint-Germain in 2013.

Rodgers’ move to a 3-4-2-1 formation in the draw with Bordeaux would allow Sakho to play alongside the Liverpool manager’s preferred two of Lovren and Skrtel. Jack Lusby makes the case for a permanent switch to the formation here.

Would you like to see Sakho play in a back-three alongisde Lovren and Skrtel? Let us know your thoughts, and on his reported new deal, in the comments section below.

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“Time will tell” extent of Jordan Henderson injury, says Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Jordan Henderson has returned to first-team training after treatment for a heel injury this week.

Jordan Henderson returned to first-team training on Friday, Brendan Rodgers has confirmed, but the manager says “time will tell” if the Liverpool captain’s heel injury is a long-term issue.

Henderson travelled to New Jersey this week to undergo treatment for an ongoing issue which has seen him miss Liverpool’s last three fixtures.

Despite fears that this could sideline him for a long period, the 25-year-old returned to full training on his return.

The former Sunderland man could even feature against Norwich City on Sunday.

“Jordan will train today, so we’ll see how he comes through that,” Rodgers told reporters ahead of the upcoming Anfield clash.

“He’s obviously been away and had some work done on his foot, so hopefully all will be well with that and we’ll assess that in 48 hours.”

Discussing the extent of his injury, Rodgers highlighted Henderson’s frustration.

“Time will tell [whether it is a long-term issue],” he explained.

“It was obviously frustrating for him—he’s never missed this length of time out [and] he’s been champing at the bit to get playing again.

“Now we’ll see on his return how [the treatment] has gone.”

Rodgers confirmed that star striker Daniel Sturridge will also be assessed ahead of Sunday’s game, while the manager praised another returning first-team player in Adam Lallana.

Lallana started in Thursday night’s 1-1 draw away to Bordeaux in the Europa League, scoring the opener, and Rodgers believes there is more to come from the midfielder.

“The only negative on his time here has been the injuries,” he said.

“The performances when he’s been on the field, he’s been excellent.

“If he’s playing consistently Adam will reach the numbers that we require from him.

“His goal last night will be great for his confidence…it shows that he’s got his eye back in early, and he can push on now hopefully.”

Rodgers also confirmed that Joe Allen is also back after a long layoff, while Kolo Toure will be monitored after sustaining a leg injury against Bordeaux.

• Read more: Brendan Rodgers anticipates Daniel Sturridge-Christian Benteke partnership

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Predicting Liverpool vs. Norwich and other key Premier League fixtures this weekend

With the next batch of Premier League fixtures fast approaching, Henry Jackson predicts the outcome of three upcoming matches.

Liverpool’s next league outing cannot come soon enough, as they look to banish the horrid memory of last Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Man United.

Brendan Rodgers and his side will be desperate to bounce back at home to Norwich City on Sunday, with more dropped points bordering on unthinkable.

Thursday’s 1-1 draw at Bordeaux in the Europa League, though played with glimpses of promise, will have done little to reduce the pressure.

There are a number of standout fixtures in the so-called ‘best league in the world’ in the coming days; here we predict how three will pan out.

Liverpool vs Norwich (Sunday, 4pm)

The wave of negativity spreading across Liverpool fans at the moment is pretty bleak, with Rodgers now under real threat of losing his job in the near future.

The performance at Old Trafford was simply not good enough, and a huge response is needed when Alex Neil’s Norwich side visit Anfield.

The Canaries are fresh off the back of a resounding 3-1 win at home to fellow promoted side Bournemouth, and their exciting brand of football has the ability to cause an upset on Merseyside.

Wes Hoolahan is a hugely underrated footballer, and very much Norwich’s version of David Silva. The 33-year-old’s creativity and eye for goal make him a real threat.

Cameron Jerome is a striker who, despite being a little erratic, has the pace and power to cause Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel real problems throughout.

The return of Philippe Coutinho will act as a huge boost for the Reds, and his influence in attacking midfield should give the team are a far better look to it.

It will be a tough afternoon for Rodgers and his side against a talented unit, but they will overcome a few scares to earn all three points.

Prediction: HOME WIN

Chelsea vs Arsenal (Saturday, 12:45pm)

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This is the standout game of the weekend without doubt, and will be a big test of where both Chelsea and Arsenal are at this season.

The Blues have endured a miserable start to the campaign, winning just one of their first five matches, and their title bid already looks in tatters.

The likes of Branislav Ivanovic, Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa are all out of form, and Jose Mourinho’s side look leggy and lacking focus.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have recovered well from their opening day loss at home to West Ham, earning 10 points from their four games since.

The Gunners have quietly gone about their business in many ways, although the form of Francis Coquelin, Laurent Koscielny and Mesut Ozil has been eye-catching.

Theo Walcott is doing his best to convince Arsene Wenger that he should now be first-choice in a central striker role, and his speed and movement could be a great outlet at Stamford Bridge on Saturday lunchtime.

Wenger is still waiting for his first ever win over Mourinho, and this weekend could be his best ever chance to achieve that.

Chelsea look vulnerable to say the least, but while the hosts won’t win the game, the Gunners will miss the chance to really stick the boot into their rivals.

Prediction: SCORE DRAW

Swansea vs Everton (Saturday, 3pm)

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This could be an intriguing match-up between two of the Premier League’s most in-form teams.

Swansea’s 1-0 loss at 10-man Watford last Saturday was a blow, but four points against Chelsea and United have shown how formidable they can be.

Former Red Jonjo Shelvey is enjoying some excellent form with the Welsh outfit, while Andre Ayew and Bafetimbi Gomis have started the season in inspired goalscoring form.

Everton were hugely impressive in their 3-1 win over Chelsea at Goodison Park last weekend, with Steven Naismith’s hat-trick showcasing what an effective player he can be.

John Stones continues to look a future world-beater at centre-back, while the balance Gareth Barry and James McCarthy gives the side is brilliantly understated. Romelu Lukaku is always a threat in attack too.

The Liberty Stadium is becoming one of the toughest grounds to visit in the league, and despite their impressive form, Everton will be another side to feel the wrath of Garry Monk’s team there.

Prediction: HOME WIN

Elsewhere: Aston Villa vs. West Brom, Bournemouth vs Sunderland, Newcastle Utd vs. Watford, Stoke City vs. Leicester City (Saturday 3pm), Man City vs West Ham (5.30pm), Tottenham vs. Crystal Palace (Sunday 1.30pm), Southampton vs. Man Utd (4pm).

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Brendan Rodgers anticipates Daniel Sturridge-Christian Benteke partnership

Ahead of Sunday’s clash with Norwich City, Brendan Rodgers has discussed the virtues of partnering Christian Benteke with Daniel Sturridge.

Brendan Rodgers is looking forward to partnering Christian Benteke with returning striker Daniel Sturridge, but the Liverpool manager remains guarded as to a change in formation.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Norwich City at Anfield, Rodgers discussed his side’s lack of attacking strength, saying the Reds need to return to the “risk-taking” approach that has plagued the Canaries in the past.

“For some reason that wee bit of risk has come out of our game,” he told reporters.

“We’ve missed a lot of goals and creativity in our team…but that’s something the players have been working really hard at.

“It only takes that one performance to spin the season around again.”

Rodgers stressed the importance of a clutch of key players returning to the first-team fold, with Sturridge perhaps the key absentee so far this season – the England forward will be assessed ahead of Sunday’s game and could be back in the squad for the first time since April.

Asked whether he would consider pairing Benteke and Sturridge, Rodgers said “we’ve been waiting for that.”

“On his game [Sturridge is] one of the best that there is,” he continued.

“For him it’s just about getting himself back in and playing and obviously getting the goals.

“When he can stretch teams like he can with his pace, and you put Christian beside him and Coutinho behind that or beside him, it’s a really exciting dynamic.

“We’ve been waiting for that for quite a period of time.”

However, when asked whether this would mean a switch to a two-striker system, as opposed to the 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 formations that Liverpool have utilised in the league so far, Rodgers remained cautious.

“When I play the striker off the side he’s never really and out-and-out winger, he’ll always be off the inside,” he explained.

“Danny [Ings] we had in the team against [Manchester] United just off the inside and he worked tirelessly in the game.”

However, he conceded: “[Playing two strikers] is something we’ll look up.”

“Whatever the system we know that we need to create and score more goals,” he continued.

“However that balance is, that’s something we’re looking to improve on.”

Pairing Benteke with Sturridge would arguably solve many of Liverpool’s attacking problems, with the 26-year-old’s pace and dynamic movement complementing Benteke’s strength and power.

Whether Rodgers adjusts his tactics to accommodate the pairing remains to be seen.

• Read more: Why 3-4-2-1 Gets the Best Out of Liverpool’s Best Players

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Liverpool vs. Norwich – Will 3 at the back continue? Does Sakho keep his place?

Liverpool return to Premier League action at Anfield on Sunday afternoon when they host Alex Neil’s Norwich City. Ben Twelves discusses the team selection options ahead of the fixture.

LIVERPOOL vs. NORWICH
Sunday, 20th September 2015 (4pm)
Premier League

After their 1-1 Europa League draw in France, Brendan Rodgers’ Reds return to Anfield for a vitally important Premier League clash against newly promoted Norwich.

Despite being only the Reds’ sixth league game of the season, the match carries an extra significance for Rodgers and his squad following poor successive league defeats, and with pressure increasing on the Reds manager, maximum points really is a minimum requirement from Sunday’s encounter.

Norwich have had a miserable recent time at Anfield losing 5-0 and 5-1 on their last two visits to Merseyside and the Reds – who have won seven of the last eight games between the two sides – must make it another unhappy trip to L4 for the Canaries in order to get their league form back on track after an originally encouraging start transformed into a wholly unimpressive one.

Rodgers’ side will need to find some improved attacking threat and goal-scoring form for that to happen – only bottom-of-the-table Newcastle have scored fewer goals than Liverpool who have found the net five times less than Norwich – and with the need for three points vital with extremely testing fixtures looming, it must materialise instantly against Neil’s men.

Team News

Jordan Henderson is battling to be fit for the clash after returning from America where he underwent specialist treatment on his persistent heel injury, but the game could see a welcome return to match-day involvement for Daniel Sturridge.

Rodgers rested a number of first choice picks for Thursday’s Bordeaux draw but with a number of impressive displays from fringe and young players in the European opener, the Reds boss must think long and hard before deciding to recall those left out for the visit of the Carrow Road outfit.

If Rodgers sticks to the original plan, Nathaniel Clyne, Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren are set to re-form three-quarters of Liverpool’s defence, while Lucas Leiva and James Milner appear certain to return to the midfield shape up with Christian Benteke resuming his striking role.

But the impressive performances of defensive duo Mamadou Sakho and Alberto Moreno, as well as Jordan Rossiter in midfield, give the manager a far from straightforward selection and the trio will all be hopeful of keeping their places in the starting XI.

Emre Can will also hope to continue his promising start to the season in midfield, and Philippe Coutinho’s availability makes him one of those certain to feature at the weekend, while Adam Lallana will be looking to build on his goal-scoring performance.

Roberto Firmino was unused in midweek and could come back in at Anfield where Danny Ings and Divock Origi will be hopeful of minutes at some stage after Thursday’s action.

Starting XI

Rodgers faces a really tough decision over his starting team for a game of real importance and he has a number of options to choose from.

The Liverpool boss redeployed the 3-4-2-1 formation in Bordeaux, and with a decent result coming from a youthful team, the Northern Irishman could stick with the shape.

Within that, Lovren and Skrtel should be joined by Sakho after a solid display as skipper in his home country, and Moreno should keep his shirt at left wing-back with Clyne coming back into the side, replacing the struggling Jordon Ibe on the right.

Lucas and Milner will form the midfield having been left at home for that reason, and the experienced pair could play behind Coutinho and the rested Firmino, who would operate in support of fit and fresh Benteke.

Should Rodgers stick with the same shape, the changes of personnel could see the Reds line up like so on Sunday afternoon:

Alternatively, the Liverpool leader could scrap using the system and stick to his favoured 4-3-3 set-up in a game his side must attack head-on.

Difficult decisions would arise over who features centrally in the back four, but Sakho’s leading performance means he must play alongside Skrtel, with Clyne and Gomez filling the full-back positions.

With Lucas rested, seemingly as Henderson won’t be fit to play, the Brazilian would continue to anchor in holding midfield behind Milner who should be partnered by Coutinho to allow an extra attacking option to feature.

That man should be Lallana after his goal in midweek, and Firmino should certainly enter after watching only on Thursday night, with the pair playing in support of Benteke.

In a 4-3-3 system and with the changes to the starting team, Liverpool could look like this come 4pm kick-off time at Anfield:

The Premier League season may only be five games old and it may be too early to label games as “must win”, but the pressure and significance of Sunday’s clash makes it the closest you will find to a game of that stature.

Rodgers and his squad simply must make it happen.

Our Prediction

A 1-0 victory for Liverpool to give Brendan Rodgers some breathing space after so much recent pressure.

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Norwich boss Alex Neil backs Brendan Rodgers

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers deserves time to fix the problems at Anfield, according to Norwich manager Alex Neil.

Norwich visit Liverpool on Sunday hoping to extend an uncertain start to the campaign for the Reds, who have managed one point and a single goal in their last three games.

Poor performances mean Rodgers is already under pressure this season but Neil dismissed suggestions Liverpool are there for the taking this weekend.

“Brendan Rodgers has proved himself a manager, there’s no question about that,” Neil said.

“He nearly won the league with Liverpool. Who am I to comment on Brendan Rodgers? He’s done fantastically well as a manager in his career.

“People always say it’s a good time to play them, we’ll just look at what we do and see where it takes us.

“I don’t buy this, ‘Liverpool are in crisis’. Liverpool have got good players, they’re well managed and they’ll be a danger to any team in the league.

“It’s something all teams go through when they’re really good and then when they don’t perform as well as they should do.

“Players aren’t robots, maybe the combinations in the team aren’t functioning as well as they can or there may just be a loss of form in the group.”

Norwich are currently level with Liverpool on seven points following an encouraging start to their battle for Barclays Premier League survival.

Wins against Sunderland and Bournemouth, as well a draw against Stoke, mean the Canaries sit ninth in the table ahead of their trip to Anfield.

“Our away record has been really good because we’ve gone with a method to win the game,” Neil said.

“Every game has been different. Sometimes we’ve been very aggressive from the start, sometimes we play on the counter-attack.

“We’ve got a plan which we worked on today in training and hopefully that gives us the best chance of coming away on Sunday with some points.”

Norwich defender Andre Wisdom, on loan from Liverpool, is ineligible and Gary Hooper is out with an ankle injury but Lewis Grabban has returned to training and is available.

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Jordan Rossiter eyes more Liverpool first-team games after impressive European bow

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Rossiter enjoyed an impressive Europa League debut which offered both him and the club great hope for the future.

The 18-year-old, who scored within 10 minutes of making his bow for the club in the League Cup last season, put in a composed performance in his first European outing which saw the Reds draw 1-1 in Bordeaux.

For over an hour he played alongside fellow academy graduate Pedro Chirivella, who made an earlier-than-expected first-team bow after injury to Kolo Toure, and by the second half the pair looked as comfortable as they did playing in the under-21s together.

Local-born Rossiter's rise through the ranks has accelerated over the last year and he is keen to seize the opportunity offered by Brendan Rodgers, who is likely to use him again for next week's Capital One Cup visit of Carlisle and also in forthcoming European fixtures.

"It was a tough test and I really enjoyed my European debut," he said.

"I loved it out there. I've been working most of my time at the academy to try to push into the first team and I got my chance. Hopefully it comes again.

"Young players want to do well and we want to go that extra mile.

"I've played with Pedro for two or three years now so I know how he plays and he knows how I play and I thought he did very well – the same with Cam (Cameron Brannagan, another academy product given a late debut) when he came on.

"To be honest I was a little bit nervous when I found out I was starting a few days ago but you just have to go out there and enjoy it and try your best – that is all you can do.

"I had to come off with a bit of cramp, which I'm disappointed about, but the manager said, 'great experience' and I can only take that forward and hopefully get better.

"I was just disappointed we couldn't get the win but I think a point away from home is good.

"We have three home games left and if we get three wins from them it will be good for us."

Although still a teenager, Rossiter has been around long enough to know he is unlikely to keep the likes of James Milner and Lucas Leiva – among six first-teamers left at home – out of the side for Sunday's visit of Norwich but that has not dimmed his ambition.

"I'm not going to get carried away with the performance, I know there are a lot of players to come back and I am still only young," he added.

"I've just need to keep improving and if I get my chance again take it."

The only downside was his family could not join him at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeux and had to watch his European debut on television.

"With work commitments they couldn't get over but they are all made up for me," he said.

"When my dad and family used to take me to football throughout the years it is all for moments like this."

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Pedro Chirivella’s Liverpool debut against Bordeaux was a “dream come true”

Youngster Pedro Chirivella says it was a “dream come true” to make his first appearance for Liverpool’s first team on Thursday night.

Brendan Rodgers gave several young prospects opportunities in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Bordeaux in the Europa League.

Making an earlier-than-expected first-team bow after injury to Kolo Toure, he played for over an hour alongside fellow academy graduate Jordan Rossiter and by the second half the pair looked as comfortable as they did playing in the under-21s together.

After Toure’s withdrawal from the game, the average age of Liverpool’s team was just 21.7.

Chirivella, 18, who arrived at the club's Kirkby academy from Valencia, is now looking to build on his first appearance.

"It was a dream come true. The manager said to keep calm, play my game," he said.

"Obviously with your first game you have nerves but I did well at the end.

"I know Jordan from two years ago. We've played a lot together and we understand each other. It was very good to play with him.

"Hopefully this will be the start of a big career for me at Liverpool.

"Liverpool are a team who always give chances to young players and I think it was a good example (on Thursday)."

Rodgers now has big selection and tactical decisions to make ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Norwich City at Anfield.

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Liverpool “may have opportunity to speak to Jurgen Klopp in November”

German football journalist Raphael Honigstein has hinted that there may be an opportunity for Liverpool to discuss the manager’s job with Jurgen Klopp in November.

Brendan Rodgers is finding himself under increasing scrutiny this season at Liverpool after an underwhelming start, though Thursday night’s 1-1 draw at Bordeaux in the Europa League showed promise that may relieve the pressure slightly.

Former Borussia Dortmund boss Klopp, 48, was heavily linked with Rodgers’ job in the summer, but Liverpool stuck by the Northern Irishman, bringing in new coaching staff recruits and spending £77 million on players.

However, Honigstein, speaking on The Guardian‘s Football Weekly podcast, told presenter James Richardson there are whispers on the grapevine that discussions between Liverpool and Klopp may not be dead in the water just yet.

“It’s no secret by now that Liverpool have tried twice to get Klopp to take over,” he said.

“They didn’t go for him in the summer when he was clearly available, so they stuck with Brendan Rodgers.

“I believe, and I have to say this isn’t backed up by any hard facts, but there’s a sense from talking to one or two people that maybe there’s an opportunity to sit down and discuss things going forward maybe in November.

“I’m not sure if that’s directly related to what Liverpool are doing this season, or maybe it’s for next season, or maybe it’s just exploratory talks.”

Rodgers will be looking for his side to bounce back from two consecutive Premier League defeats when Liverpool host Norwich City this Sunday at 4pm.

What does Rodgers need to do to keep his job safe at Liverpool? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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“Sakho the leader Liverpool have been lacking”- Newspapers react to Bordeaux 1-1 Liverpool

It’s the morning after Liverpool’s Europa League draw at Bordeaux, so we take a look at the best newspaper reaction from the game.

It was a match that Brendan Rodgers really could not afford to lose, and although the performance was far from great, a share of the spoils represents a decent result for the Reds.

Adam Lallana‘s lovely solo effort gave the visitors the lead, but the hosts responded through substitute Jussie with 10 minutes remaining.

There were standout performances from captain Mamadou Sakho and youngster Jordan Rossiter, although Jordon Ibe and Divock Origi had nights to forget.

There was always a feeling that Sunday’s showdown with Norwich City at Anfield would be where Rodgers will properly be judged, and it will be fascinating to see his team selection for the game.

Here is how the morning papers reacted to the draw with Bordeaux:

James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo lauded the Man of the Match display of the returning Sakho, and feels he must surely start against Norwich:

Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren may have been rested with one eye on that fixture but one of them will surely miss out after Sakho shone in his homeland.

The former Paris Saint Germain centre-back has waited patiently for his chance after being controversially overlooked in the opening month of the season.

In the absence of Jordan Henderson and James Milner, Sakho was handed the armband by Rodgers and he led by example throughout.

[…]

Sensing danger and dealing with it, Sakho looked like the kind of defensive leader Liverpool have been so sadly lacking so far this term.

ESPN‘s Steven Kelly also felt Sakho was the star man on the night:

Generally rock-solid, further emphasising the unfairness of his demotion from the first-choice team. Strong in the air, he also didn’t leap into tackles unless he knew he could win them. His short passing was controlled, but the occasional more ambitious pass went astray.

He provided much-needed experience for the younger players in his charge, especially after Toure’s injury.

The Daily Telegraph‘s Chris Bascombe was not convinced by the performance, but believes if Rodgers wasn’t under so much pressure, we would be looking at the game in a different light:

In normal circumstances a point on the road in Europe is deemed satisfactory.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers understandably claimed the opening to the Europa league campaign in Bordeaux as such, despite a lament as how his side conceded a sloppy equaliser with ten minutes left. Adam Lallana’s opening goal – beautifully crafted an finished midway through the second half – deserved to be the winner.

The trouble for Rodgers is these are uncertain times at Anfield, and for all the signs of improvement he embraced there is so much damage to be repaired he is hunting for context as much as points.

Take away what’s gone on recently and you could perceive this as a tentative step in the right direction.

The Daily Mail‘s Dominic King echoed that sentiment, stating that Rodgers will be more relieved than happy:

There were no smiles or fist pumping celebrations. The reaction in the away end was muted and the manager, after exchanging a few cursory handshakes, swiftly disappeared down the tunnel.

Happiness was not the overriding emotion for Brendan Rodgers or Liverpool’s players but there was, without question, a sense of relief; this 1-1 draw will not feature anywhere on the list of the club’s best European results but at least it afforded the manager some respite.

In his match report for the Guardian, Sachin Nakrani heaped praise on Liverpool’s youngsters, with several teenagers impressing:

Lallana’s goal aside, the most striking encouragement for Liverpool was how such a young team refused to fold against fast-paced, aggressive and skilled opponents. This was a starting XI that contained three teenagers in the 19-year-old Jordon Ibe, 18-year-old Joe Gomez and another 18-year-old, Jordan Rossiter, making only his third appearance for his boyhood club.

What appeared a gamble on the part of Brendan Rodgers then looked like suicide by a manager under pressure when on 28 minutes Liverpool’s most experienced player, Kolo Touré, had to go off with a dead leg and was replaced by another 18-year-old in the Spanish midfielder Pedro Chirivella for his first appearance.

[…]

A young team dug in, scored in style and earned a point that could prove invaluable if Liverpool are to make their mark in Europe this season. For their supporters, here as well as back home, it is a case of onwards and upwards.

The Mirror‘s David Maddock was left frustrated by the performance of Lallana, despite his well-taken goal:

Of English footballers’ there are few with the class and technique of Adam Lallana. Beautifully balanced, the former Southampton skipper has a balletic beauty about him, capable of gliding away from opponents, occasionally making it look effortless.

However, too often than not, the final act never matches the approach work. In the final 25 yards, where the real top players do their business repeatedly, Lallana too often falls down.

Tonight was looking like being another of those nights for the £25million man, until a wonderful goal of such exquisite nonchalance – nutmegging a defender before caressing his shot into the far bottom corner – handed Liverpool the win.

He was also unconvinced by Divock Origi:

The Belgian forward hasn’t seen much playing time before tonight and it’s easy to see why.

While the physical and technical attributes are certainly there – he’s rangy, quick, has a trick in his locker – there’s something missing.

There was no real purpose about anything he did, no drive nor determination when he ran channels, no decisive movement to pose questions of the opposing centre-backs in behind. Too often he wanted to show for feet – which only ate up the space Lallana and Philippe Coutinho would’ve preferred to use.

Must do more. Must show more intensity, in all aspects of his play.

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Video: Brendan Rodgers encouraged by young Liverpool team’s Bordeaux display

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes the club's youngsters have provided great encouragement after almost getting their Europa League campaign off to the perfect start.

Video: Katherine Giessinger (YouTube)

An inexperienced side were nine minutes away from a win in Bordeaux when Jussie made it 1-1 by cancelling out Adam Lallana's expertly-taken opener.

Victory – considering the average age of the team was just 21.7 years when academy graduate Pedro Chirivella replaced the injured Kolo Toure in the first half – would have been more than justified Rodgers' gamble in leaving six regulars at home.

The Reds boss was nevertheless impressed with the likes of Jordan Rossiter and Chirivella.

"As the game wore on they combined with the other players and I thought they acquitted themselves well," he said.

"If you take those two, Jordon Ibe who is 19, Joe Gomez who is 18, there was great encouragement for the young players and supporters.

"I was so proud of them. I will always give the young players an opportunity if they have the personality."

There was also a welcome return for Lallana, who rustiness after a month's absence was dispelled in one brilliant piece of skill for the goal, nutmegging Pablo with one touch and sliding the ball inside the far post with his second.

"It was an outstanding goal. It was his touch and creativity which we have not seen so much of this season," added Rodgers.

"I was disappointed their striker got too many touches in the box but if you can't win, especially away from home in Europe, you at least get a point and we're satisfied with that."

Rodgers was also happy with the performance of Mamadou Sakho, who was one of eight changes but made captain on the night despite it being his first appearance of the season.

There have been rumours of the France international being unhappy at his lack of pitch time but the manager offered some hope to the centre-back.

"Sakho was immense at the back. He knows he has had to be patient and his attitude has been first-class," added Rodgers.

"He has trained very well, kept professional, done his extra work on his fitness and he has got his rewards for that.

"He certainly comes into the reckoning for the weekend (against Norwich)."

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Plenty of positives as Liverpool draw in Bordeaux

There were plenty of positives on show as Liverpool drew 1-1 with Bordeaux in Thursday’s Europa League opener, writes Jack Lusby.

Despite Liverpool’s first away trip of the 2015/16 Europa League resulting in a 1-1 draw against Bordeaux, Brendan Rodgers can draw many positives from his side’s performance at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux.

A moment of individual brilliance from Adam Lallana gave the Reds the lead, but Bordeaux substitute Jussie levelled late into the second half to clinch Willy Sagnol’s side a vital point.

Rodgers may have expected victory in the south of France, but can he still be happy with this result?

At this defining period of his Liverpool reign, Rodgers should cling to the many positives on show.

Playing For Your Place

It would be remiss to discuss this Europa League opener without addressing the standout performance among Rodgers’ ranks: Mamadou Sakho turned in a display of strength and composure on the left side of Liverpool’s three-man defence, despite this being his first outing of the season.

The Frenchman, replacing Dejan Lovren in the Reds’ back line and assuming the captaincy in the absence of Jordan Henderson and James Milner, exuded confidence.

Following the withdrawal of Kolo Toure through injury, Sakho took on the responsibility of marshalling defensive colleagues Joe Gomez and Emre Can, and went from strength to strength in a bullish display.

Showcasing his trademark aggressive, front-footed approach, Sakho broke up attacks with consistency and, crucially, looked to build from the back when in possession.

Sakho made three successful tackles, two interceptions, seven clearances and won four aerial duels, as well as completing more passes than any other player, with 68, including one chance created in the attacking sector.

It was a performance of sheer fortitude, and it was seemingly much needed, given the Frenchman’s peripheral role in the Premier League this season.

Rodgers praised the 25-year-old after the game, hinting at a possible starting place for Sunday’s home clash against Norwich City.

With Lovren and Martin Skrtel both in poor form in the Reds’ past two league clashes, Sakho may have secured his place in Rodgers’ first team for the foreseeable future.

Similarly, Alberto Moreno will have given his manager much food for thought, with an impressively balanced display as Liverpool’s left wing-back.

After being supplanted by Gomez in Rodgers’ starting lineup for the first five games of the season, Moreno has been forced to feed off scraps in his attempt to earn a regular role in the Premier League, afforded just 59 minute over four cameo appearances.

In those four games, Moreno offered Liverpool momentum in going forward and cover for the inexperienced Gomez in defence, and the Spaniard did much the same against Bordeaux.

Fielded alongside the imperious Sakho, Moreno was given more license to probe forward, and was one of Liverpool’s most effective attacking options.

Moreno made two key passes—the joint-highest of any player, alongside Philippe Coutinho—including the assist for Lallana’s opener, and his consistent support down the left flank provided Liverpool with a useful option on the counter.

As Karl Matchett outlined prior to Thursday night’s clash, however, the 23-year-old is also much improved in his defensive efforts this campaign so far.

With Liverpool pegged back for much of the second half, Moreno was diligent in tracking back to support Sakho, making four tackles—second only to Lallana (five).

Gomez has been a revelation so far this season, but his future is not at left-back, and with Moreno producing an encouragingly well-balanced display against Bordeaux, he could join Sakho in Rodgers’ reckoning on Sunday.

The pair may also be joined by a clutch of Liverpool’s youthful contingent in time, too.

The Promise of Youth

“My approach is what I did in this competition when I first came in,” Rodgers told reporters before the game, referencing his approach to the Europa League in his first season on Merseyside in 2012/13.

“We played players who were needing games and it gives me a chance to look at some younger players and back then we finished top of the group.”

While a 1-1 draw may not have been the best step towards finishing top of the group this season, Rodgers will be pleased with the performances of some his younger players in Bordeaux.

Gomez (18), Jordan Rossiter (18), Jordon Ibe (19) and Divock Origi (20) all started, while Pedro Chirivella (18) and Cameron Brannagan (19) were introduced as the game unfolded.

This injection of youthful exuberance presented a major positive for Rodgers, with Gomez, Rossiter and Chirivella particularly impressive.

Gomez was initially fielded on the left side of the back three, before switching into a central sweeper role following Toure’s injury and, despite this being the former Charlton Athletic defender’s first outing in Europe, he performed with composure and intelligence.

Only Sakho (81) made more touches of the ball than the 18-year-old (78), with Gomez keeping his head up to read the game.

The £3.5 million summer signing will be disappointed with his hand in Bordeaux’s equaliser, but Gomez did little to hurt his chances of an extended role at centre-back in the Premier League.

Furthermore, ahead of Gomez in midfield, Rossiter and Chirivella fostered an impressive balance as the game played out.

Rossiter performed with tenacity in breaking up play and fearlessness in possession, displaying an impressive passing range, while Chirivella looked to add some spark to a flagging attacking midfield.

With Rodgers’ first team under scrutiny in the Premier League, the likes of Rossiter and Chirivella can be hopeful of regular action in the coming weeks.

Big Decisions for Brendan Rodgers

Heading into this Europa League clash, Liverpool were in dreadful form.

A team lacking identity, Rodgers’ side were brushed aside by both West Ham United and Manchester United and, sitting 10th in the Premier League table, the pressure was mounting on the manager.

This performance, despite not producing the desired result, should provide supporters with encouragement.

But, crucially, Rodgers must now note these many positives and act on them.

Sakho should be a guaranteed starter against Norwich and beyond, with the intelligence, strength and finesse he showed on his return to France outweighing the performances of Lovren and Skrtel combined so far this season.

Moreno, too, should have played his way into Rodgers’ starting lineup after proving that he can perform as a functional left-back.

Joining them in defence should be Gomez, and his maturity at the heart of Liverpool’s back three against Bordeaux should prove to Rodgers that he is ready to partner Sakho at centre-back.

Both Rossiter and Chirivella could also put pressure on Lucas Leiva, in light of Henderson’s prolonged injury layoff, with the Brazilian lacking the vitality of the academy pair.

Rossiter in particular should be considered for a starting role against Norwich.

Most importantly, however, the improvement in Liverpool’s performance in the south of France can be attributed to a change in system.

The 3-4-2-1 proved a success in 2014/15, and it can be argued that—4-4-2 diamond aside—this is the formation that best suits Rodgers’ personnel.

Though three points would have been the ideal outcome from Liverpool’s Europa League opener, perhaps what will prove more important is a shift in ideals from Rodgers as a result.

The manager must take his cues from this performance and build on it in the Premier League.

• Read more: Bordeaux 1-1 Liverpool: Player Ratings

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