Liverpool host Newcastle United to Anfield on Sunday afternoon for the final game of what has been an outstanding season. Ben Twelves discusses the squad selection options for Brendan Rodgers which he hopes will include some fresh faces.
A second place finish now looks most likely for Brendan Rodgers’ men, who do still have an outside shot at the Premier League title, but with Man City firmly in the driving seat, it’s going to take a small miracle for the league trophy to return to Merseyside this season.
After a run of 11 straight wins, Liverpool haven’t experienced the sweet taste of victory in their last two games, meaning a win against Newcastle on the closing day of the campaign will want to be achieved even simply for a return to winning ways.
A win over the Geordies would see Liverpool pick up runners-up medals, and even though it’s unlikely to be the ending wanted, the players deserve huge credit for the monumental effort they’ve put in this season.
A strong team is sure to be fielded by Rodgers but in a fixture of little pressure, it could present the manager with an opportunity to introduce some fresh faces to the match-day fold.
Match-day Squad
Rodgers has had a small core of players from the squad at his disposal this season who have realistically been first choice and first team players. The lack of strength in depth is apparent, something that both makes our title challenge ever more impressive and needs addressing in the looming summer transfer window.
Fringe players such as loanees Aly Cissokho and Victor Moses have failed to impress and are certain to return to their respective parents clubs without the prospect of a permanent switch to Anfield, thankfully.
So while Sunday’s game does carry an importance, it does throw up a perfect opportunity to hand some of the clubs’ own youngsters a chance in the first team squad. Joao Carlos Teixiera has featured previously this season, but has often found himself left out completely. Opportunities could also be afforded to a number of youngsters who have impressed in the respective age groups this season, such as Jack Dunn, who has impressed for the under 21s.
Academy player of the year Jordan Rossiter could cap off a fine week if he was to be included in the match day squad for the third time this season. Youth teamer Cameron Brannagan has also caught the eye playing for both the youth team and under 21s and would be another deserving recipient of a first team call-up.
The starting team could change following Monday nights bitter defeat in south east London, with a potential reintroduction to the side for Daniel Agger.
Jordan Henderson, who has undeniably been missed the past three matches, returns from suspension and should come straight into the midfield replacing the anonymous Lucas Leiva. Philippe Coutinho should also remain amongst the substitutes, especially if his injury hasn’t cleared up completely.
Squad Selection
The starting team and substitutes that I would like to see picked on Sunday would see Liverpool’s match-day squad look like this:
Subs: Jones, Skrtel, Rossiter, Coutinho, Ibe, Dunn, Aspas.
However, I think Rodgers’ squad will look like this on Sunday afternoon:
Subs: Jones, Sakho, Lucas, Rossiter, Coutinho, Ibe, Aspas.
Regardless of where Liverpool finish this season after the final set of fixtures have been played, it has undeniably been a fantastic campaign. The countdown to the Champions League group stages is already on and for us to be back competing against Europe’s elite again next season truly is a great feeling.
Next up for Liverpool though, is arguably the biggest test of them all and the need for a very productive transfer window to ensure we keep marching on back to where we belong.
Liverpool host Newcastle United to Anfield on Sunday afternoon for the final game of what has been an outstanding season. Ben Twelves discusses the squad selection options for Brendan Rodgers which he hopes will include some fresh faces.
A second place finish now looks most likely for Brendan Rodgers’ men, who do still have an outside shot at the Premier League title, but with Man City firmly in the driving seat, it’s going to take a small miracle for the league trophy to return to Merseyside this season.
After a run of 11 straight wins, Liverpool haven’t experienced the sweet taste of victory in their last two games, meaning a win against Newcastle on the closing day of the campaign will want to be achieved even simply for a return to winning ways.
A win over the Geordies would see Liverpool pick up runners-up medals, and even though it’s unlikely to be the ending wanted, the players deserve huge credit for the monumental effort they’ve put in this season.
A strong team is sure to be fielded by Rodgers but in a fixture of little pressure, it could present the manager with an opportunity to introduce some fresh faces to the match-day fold.
Match-day Squad
Rodgers has had a small core of players from the squad at his disposal this season who have realistically been first choice and first team players. The lack of strength in depth is apparent, something that both makes our title challenge ever more impressive and needs addressing in the looming summer transfer window.
Fringe players such as loanees Aly Cissokho and Victor Moses have failed to impress and are certain to return to their respective parents clubs without the prospect of a permanent switch to Anfield, thankfully.
So while Sunday’s game does carry an importance, it does throw up a perfect opportunity to hand some of the clubs’ own youngsters a chance in the first team squad. Joao Carlos Teixiera has featured previously this season, but has often found himself left out completely. Opportunities could also be afforded to a number of youngsters who have impressed in the respective age groups this season, such as Jack Dunn, who has impressed for the under 21s.
Academy player of the year Jordan Rossiter could cap off a fine week if he was to be included in the match day squad for the third time this season. Youth teamer Cameron Brannagan has also caught the eye playing for both the youth team and under 21s and would be another deserving recipient of a first team call-up.
The starting team could change following Monday nights bitter defeat in south east London, with a potential reintroduction to the side for Daniel Agger.
Jordan Henderson, who has undeniably been missed the past three matches, returns from suspension and should come straight into the midfield replacing the anonymous Lucas Leiva. Philippe Coutinho should also remain amongst the substitutes, especially if his injury hasn’t cleared up completely.
Squad Selection
The starting team and substitutes that I would like to see picked on Sunday would see Liverpool’s match-day squad look like this:
Subs: Jones, Skrtel, Rossiter, Coutinho, Ibe, Dunn, Aspas.
However, I think Rodgers’ squad will look like this on Sunday afternoon:
Subs: Jones, Sakho, Lucas, Rossiter, Coutinho, Ibe, Aspas.
Regardless of where Liverpool finish this season after the final set of fixtures have been played, it has undeniably been a fantastic campaign. The countdown to the Champions League group stages is already on and for us to be back competing against Europe’s elite again next season truly is a great feeling.
Next up for Liverpool though, is arguably the biggest test of them all and the need for a very productive transfer window to ensure we keep marching on back to where we belong.
Liverpool have midfielder Jordan Henderson available again for Sunday's final Premier League clash with Newcastle at Anfield.
Henderson has missed the last three games, during which his side's title challenge has faltered, due to suspension after being sent off in the 3-2 win over Manchester City.
The conclusion of the ban means that, other than long-term knee injury victim Jose Enrique, manager Brendan Rodgers has a full squad to choose from.
Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse could need four months in which to recover after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured kneecap.
Manager Alan Pardew was otherwise coy about his fitness concerns, although utility man Ryan Taylor is back in light training after a second bout of knee surgery.
Liverpool have midfielder Jordan Henderson available again for Sunday's final Premier League clash with Newcastle at Anfield.
Henderson has missed the last three games, during which his side's title challenge has faltered, due to suspension after being sent off in the 3-2 win over Manchester City.
The conclusion of the ban means that, other than long-term knee injury victim Jose Enrique, manager Brendan Rodgers has a full squad to choose from.
Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse could need four months in which to recover after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured kneecap.
Manager Alan Pardew was otherwise coy about his fitness concerns, although utility man Ryan Taylor is back in light training after a second bout of knee surgery.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has refused to concede the Premier League title to Manchester City ahead of the final day of the season, while also revealing he is close to signing a new contract.
Rodgers admitted the crown would go to Liverpool's north-west rivals after the 3-3 draw at Crystal Palace on Monday night, but told his press conference for Sunday's meeting with Newcastle that he had not given up on a first league trophy in 24 years.
Firstly, the Reds must beat the Magpies at Anfield and hope West Ham overturn leaders City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with both matches live on Sky Sports.
Rodgers is hopeful that the Hammers have enough quality to help Liverpool out with their side of the bargain and said: "It's certainly not over.
"First and foremost, we can only concentrate on our job, our job is to win the game.
"I think Alan (Pardew) will come and he'll want to finish his season strong. We know that it's a tough game.
"But the combination of us at home and our supporters has been fantastic for us. To look to get 16 wins out of 19 come the weekend would pencil in a great return for us at home.
"For them (Manchester City), West Ham have got some really talented players. To be able to go to Tottenham and win 3-0, you can certainly go to Manchester City and win, specially if you a guy like big Andy (Carroll) up front with the quality that he has.
"City have got a really good defensive record, 14-odd clean sheets I think, so it shows that they're a really difficult team to play against.
"So our focus is on ourselves, if we do our job then I'll be happy."
Rodgers will soon enter the final 12 months of the three-year deal he signed in June 2012 when taking over from Kenny Daglish and he said a new contract had all but been agreed.
He said: "I've obviously been in discussions with the club and there is the framework of a deal that is in place.
"But I have always said it will be at the end of the season.
"I want nothing to detract from what has been a great season for ourselves. Hopefully we will resolve it over the course of the off-season."
The Northern Irishman went on to insist that even if the club finish as runners-up in the Premier League, they would have exceeded expectations.
He added: "Firstly, I'd want to congratulate my players on the season. I think we've had a remarkable season, the players have put Liverpool on the world map again in terms of what we're looking to achieve here as a club.
"The performance level has been exceptional over the season and come this Sunday we'll fight to the very end.
"If we win the game and end up not winning the title I think to finish second to the richest team in the history of sport really shows the measure and the progress we've made here.
"What is poignant is that you guys, the media, are talking about us for the title. It's a huge compliment to what we're doing here, to be considered for it.
"I think for us this is only the beginning. I've been here two years and we've been progressing, this year we've made a step.
"I see and hear about all the teams that are going to improve and I think we'll improve dramatically ourselves next season.
"We've got young players who have been through a great experience which will only bode them well for the future.
"And players like Steven Gerrard, at 33 years of age, this is his first example of this type of run-in. He will be better next year also.
"So, for us, it's only just the beginning. We're really looking forward to finishing this season strongly.
"Tick the box at the weekend, it'll be a tough game and then be prepared and really excited about next season."
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has refused to concede the Premier League title to Manchester City ahead of the final day of the season, while also revealing he is close to signing a new contract.
Rodgers admitted the crown would go to Liverpool's north-west rivals after the 3-3 draw at Crystal Palace on Monday night, but told his press conference for Sunday's meeting with Newcastle that he had not given up on a first league trophy in 24 years.
Firstly, the Reds must beat the Magpies at Anfield and hope West Ham overturn leaders City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with both matches live on Sky Sports.
Rodgers is hopeful that the Hammers have enough quality to help Liverpool out with their side of the bargain and said: "It's certainly not over.
"First and foremost, we can only concentrate on our job, our job is to win the game.
"I think Alan (Pardew) will come and he'll want to finish his season strong. We know that it's a tough game.
"But the combination of us at home and our supporters has been fantastic for us. To look to get 16 wins out of 19 come the weekend would pencil in a great return for us at home.
"For them (Manchester City), West Ham have got some really talented players. To be able to go to Tottenham and win 3-0, you can certainly go to Manchester City and win, specially if you a guy like big Andy (Carroll) up front with the quality that he has.
"City have got a really good defensive record, 14-odd clean sheets I think, so it shows that they're a really difficult team to play against.
"So our focus is on ourselves, if we do our job then I'll be happy."
Rodgers will soon enter the final 12 months of the three-year deal he signed in June 2012 when taking over from Kenny Daglish and he said a new contract had all but been agreed.
He said: "I've obviously been in discussions with the club and there is the framework of a deal that is in place.
"But I have always said it will be at the end of the season.
"I want nothing to detract from what has been a great season for ourselves. Hopefully we will resolve it over the course of the off-season."
The Northern Irishman went on to insist that even if the club finish as runners-up in the Premier League, they would have exceeded expectations.
He added: "Firstly, I'd want to congratulate my players on the season. I think we've had a remarkable season, the players have put Liverpool on the world map again in terms of what we're looking to achieve here as a club.
"The performance level has been exceptional over the season and come this Sunday we'll fight to the very end.
"If we win the game and end up not winning the title I think to finish second to the richest team in the history of sport really shows the measure and the progress we've made here.
"What is poignant is that you guys, the media, are talking about us for the title. It's a huge compliment to what we're doing here, to be considered for it.
"I think for us this is only the beginning. I've been here two years and we've been progressing, this year we've made a step.
"I see and hear about all the teams that are going to improve and I think we'll improve dramatically ourselves next season.
"We've got young players who have been through a great experience which will only bode them well for the future.
"And players like Steven Gerrard, at 33 years of age, this is his first example of this type of run-in. He will be better next year also.
"So, for us, it's only just the beginning. We're really looking forward to finishing this season strongly.
"Tick the box at the weekend, it'll be a tough game and then be prepared and really excited about next season."
Sam Allardyce has vowed West Ham will do everything they can to rain on Manchester City’s victory parade this Sunday.
West Ham’s manager Sam Allardyce during the Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Man City only realistically need a draw to clinch the Premier League title when they host the Hammers at the Etihad Stadium, but defeat opens the door for Liverpool to steal the title if they beat Newcastle Utd at home.
Liverpool will be hoping former Reds Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing can come up trumps and provide West Ham with some inspiration for victory at Man City.
Allardyce, who’s job is under mounting pressure after a disappointing season at Upton Park, says he expects a “fantastic effort” from his players.
“We all know Manchester City in full cry are very difficult to play against and we’ve got to go out there and give a fantastic effort to try to stop them grasping the title on that day,” he is quoted in the Daily Mail as saying.
“It will be hugely difficult: they’re the best team at home in the league. Their goal record is fantastic and they’ve got great players. Every player can go and give his best because we know we’re safe in the Premier League, so let’s go and spoil Man City’s party.”
Allardyce added that he believes most people connected with football want to see Liverpool lift the Premier League trophy, if only for Steven Gerrard: “I think at this moment in time, from a neutral’s point of view, I think everybody would like to see Liverpool win it. From a personal point of view I’d like to see Steven Gerrard win it.
“It’s the last thing he hasn’t quite achieved for Liverpool, but obviously they’ve let it slip out of their hands. On form and where they are, Man City are the favourites.”
Liverpool v Newcastle and Man City v West Ham both get underway at 3pm on Sunday, 11th May and both are live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Make sure you’ve bookmarked This Is Anfield and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for pre-match build-up and updates live from Anfield throughout the weekend.
Sam Allardyce has vowed West Ham will do everything they can to rain on Manchester City’s victory parade this Sunday.
West Ham’s manager Sam Allardyce during the Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Man City only realistically need a draw to clinch the Premier League title when they host the Hammers at the Etihad Stadium, but defeat opens the door for Liverpool to steal the title if they beat Newcastle Utd at home.
Liverpool will be hoping former Reds Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing can come up trumps and provide West Ham with some inspiration for victory at Man City.
Allardyce, who’s job is under mounting pressure after a disappointing season at Upton Park, says he expects a “fantastic effort” from his players.
“We all know Manchester City in full cry are very difficult to play against and we’ve got to go out there and give a fantastic effort to try to stop them grasping the title on that day,” he is quoted in the Daily Mail as saying.
“It will be hugely difficult: they’re the best team at home in the league. Their goal record is fantastic and they’ve got great players. Every player can go and give his best because we know we’re safe in the Premier League, so let’s go and spoil Man City’s party.”
Allardyce added that he believes most people connected with football want to see Liverpool lift the Premier League trophy, if only for Steven Gerrard: “I think at this moment in time, from a neutral’s point of view, I think everybody would like to see Liverpool win it. From a personal point of view I’d like to see Steven Gerrard win it.
“It’s the last thing he hasn’t quite achieved for Liverpool, but obviously they’ve let it slip out of their hands. On form and where they are, Man City are the favourites.”
Liverpool v Newcastle and Man City v West Ham both get underway at 3pm on Sunday, 11th May and both are live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Make sure you’ve bookmarked This Is Anfield and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for pre-match build-up and updates live from Anfield throughout the weekend.
