The morning after the night before. The day immediately after a big elimination/defeat is always the most difficult to take for the fans. The swagger disappears and further deflation sets in throughout the day as the last remnants of alcohol wear off.
But, as interested onlookers, we think that things aren’t that bad for Liverpool.
It’s true that hardly any of the summer signings have done the business so far. But we saw quality, in spells, from Moreno and Lovren against Basel, as well as some better second half performances from youngsters like Coutinho and Sterling.
The summer saw massive personnel changes at Liverpool and those changes are still taking effect. Liverpool still have Europa League and can start to play themselves into form on three fronts. Most of their football is still to be played this season.
And what a boost a victory over United would give Liverpool. Mario Balotelli is the only current casualty who could be back in the squad and, although he’s been poor so far, we would throw him straight back in because he has done well against United in the past – the famous ‘why always me‘ T-shirt a case in point.
Brendan Rodgers may be tempted to play in a cautious formation. But Liverpool’s strength lies in the midfield and attack so they should use what they have. Coutinho, Sterling, Lallana and Balotelli should all play.
Stevie G? Well he ran himself into the ground on Wednesday and, while he would always want to start, we think that he should be used off the bench.
So here is our bold Liverpool XI for a game which can bring smiles back to the faces.
Liverpool fans: let’s have your XIs
