Sometimes it gets to a stage with a head coach where, whatever they try, you just feel that it’s gone beyond the point of no return.
After being booed off the pitch by Liverpool fans, in the aftermath of another really poor result against Sion in The Europa League, some would say that there is now an air of inevitability about Liverpool getting rid of Brendan Rodgers.
The team just doesn’t seem to be fighting for him any more.
His sacking may be seen, by some, as a step backwards. After all, he spent a fortune on a raft of new signings in the summer and any new manager won’t have the same funds at their disposal to shape the squad to their liking.
But we believe that Liverpool do have a really strong squad. They just aren’t reaching their potential right now. Is BR getting the best out of them?
The regular changes in formation seem to have confused some in the squad and confidence levels are clearly lower than they should be.
In light of all this, you have to assume that the derby is a pivotal fixture in the Liverpool career of Brendan Rodgers.
A win, or even a draw, will keep the board on side. But if Liverpool lose to a buoyant Everton side, who already sit above them in the table, perhaps Liverpool will look elsewhere for new direction – as we all know, Carlo Ancelotti and Jurgen Klopp are potentially available. And it’s difficult to see Ancelotti, in particular, making a hash of things.
Anyway, to matters in hand. Liverpool would desperately love to come away with the points and, despite some key injuries, they can put out a solid side.
If Benteke remains sidelined with a hamstring injury then Ings and Sturridge have to get the nod. They have been two of the bright sparks for Liverpool this season and will give Everton problems.
Coutinho is a no-brainer and we would love to see Ibe play on the other side of a 4-4-2. There is talk of BR using 3 at the back but we would go with a more conventional formation in this one.
In general we think that BR should keep it simple. Play a back 4 and Can in midfield, where he belongs.
So here is our strongest XI for Liverpool in a particularly poignant Merseyside Derby – the 225th in all.
Liverpool fans: Let’s have your elevens
The view of the Anfield pitch from the Anfield Road Upper Stand.
M.
Oct 4, 2015 at 1:24 pm
This isn’t bad but I honestly believe it’d be better if Moreno & Lucas came in for Gomez & Can respectively.
keya
Oct 4, 2015 at 2:40 pm
Comment
I prefer 3-4-1-2 with bogdan in goal, sakho,skirtel and gomez. Clyne,can milner and moreno a
nd coutinho behind sterridge and ings. On bench mignolett, ibe origi ,allen lallana texterria and toure.
lee.cqua
Oct 4, 2015 at 4:30 pm
lallana, morena in for ibe and gomez
njYNWA
Oct 4, 2015 at 8:35 pm
i prefer 4-4-2(D)
mignolet
clyne…skrtel…sakho…moreno
can
milner……….lallana
coutinho
sturridge….ings
or
4-3-3
mignolet
clyne…skrtel…sakho…moreno
origi…milner…can…coutinho
sturridge…ings
mark
Oct 12, 2015 at 1:47 pm
Mignolet
Clyne.skrtel .sakho. Moreno.
Cen
Origi .Milnen. allana.
Coutirho
Sturbridge. Igns.
4/1/3/1/ 2 lfc