If Liverpool hadn’t signed Mario Balotelli then the current injury to Daniel Sturridge could have been critical, even at this early stage of the season.
But the squad has an altogether stronger look with the addition of the Italian and he can play at number nine without any problems at all.
Sturridge looks set to miss the game this weekend but Balotelli has recovered from a bug and should start. The other injured players are Emre Can, Glen Johnson and Martin Skrtel.
Back to Balotelli, the versatility of the Italian means that he could play on the left of a front three with Lambert through the middle this weekend.
It’s a toss up which way Brendan Rodgers will go but we think Balotelli will get the nod as the main target man with Lambert remaining on the bench for now.
The Liverpool squad is now capable of coping with injuries to Skrtel and Johnson. Manquillo and Sakho could well play in their stead as The Reds look to build up momentum after that brilliant three nil battering of Tottenham before the international break.
Although many of Liverpool’s signings haven’t yet made their mark on the first team several of them, including the fit again Adam Lallana, will get first team action over the next few weeks. We expect Lallana to get his competitive debut against Villa and play on the left with Balotelli up top.
So here is our strongest Liverpool XI for the Aston Villa game at Anfield on Saturday teatime (1730 local time). It’s a late kick-off and a televised game.
Click the graphic below for a full sized XI
Liverpool fans: let’s have your thoughts.
