It’s the fourth round of the F.A Cup and Liverpool entertain Championship side, Bolton Wanderers at Anfield. The Premier League side go into the game in really positive form, as Bolton go into the game in good form, too. The Championship side, despite being 15th, have won four of their last six games.
Liverpool drew their last game with Chelsea in the semi-final of the Capital One Cup on Tuesday. The Reds dominated the game and definitely deserved more from the game. So that will give Brendan Rodgers’ side confidence going into the F.A Cup clash.
Bolton recorded a good win on Saturday, as they beat Sheffield Wednesday away from home. Neil Lennon’s side came out 2-1 victors. Saturday’s game could see the likes of Jay Spearing and more significantly, Emile Heskey return to Anfield. Heskey scored 39 goals in 150 appearances for the Reds.
Heskey in action
(bwfc.co.uk)
Brendan Rodgers has said in his pre-match press conference that he is set to make changes for Bolton’s visit. This is most likely down to the massive second leg of the semi-final versus Chelsea on Tuesday night. I expect to see some of the more important players given a rest so there is no fatigue or potential injuries picked up in this Bolton game.
However, Rodgers has already said about his desire to win a trophy this season and realistically it is important he at least challenges for one this season. So it’s up to Rodgers to try and find the right balance between youth and experience for a game that won’t be easy.
Daniel Sturridge won’t be taking any part against Bolton, but may be ready for Tuesday’s game. Mario Balotelli is back and available for selection. Dejan Lovren and Glen Johnson are set to return, too. Jordan Rossiter is set to start for the Reds.
The back three seems very settled at the moment and I think this would be a good chance for them to play some minutes and keep a clean sheet. I’d go with Emre Can, Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho. Although, I think Rodgers will stick Lovren in there instead of Sakho, perhaps.
Javi Manquillo hasn’t played since the last F.A Cup outing against Wimbledon. I’d like to see him play and rest Lazar Markovic’s legs. Markovic has played a lot of games recently and put in a good shift on Tuesday. Markovic will have a big part to play at Stamford Bridge, I believe. Alberto Moreno, too, should be rested. Jose Enrique or Glen Johnson at left wing-back?
Jordan Rossiter and Jordan Henderson would be the two I’d start in the middle. Henderson doesn’t seem like he needs a rest, ever. Rossiter is a very exciting prospect who I’ve been so impressed with when watching the youth team. I think this is the sort of game he’d flourish in. Similar to the Middlesbrough game where he scored on his competitive debut earlier in the season.
Adam Lallana and Steven Gerrard would be the two I’d go for behind the striker. I’d give Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho a much needed rest. The two have been performing fantastically recently and their legs need to be refreshed for the Chelsea trip. Saying that, Sterling did just have a weeks break in Jamaica, so there’s every chance Rodgers will start the 20 year-old.
Mario Balotelli, now that he’s recovered from his chest infection, would be the man I’d start up top in this formation. However, I wouldn’t be too disappointed, or surprised, if it was Fabio Borini/Rickie Lambert to start up top. I hope Balotelli gets his chance, though. The Italian has had next to no playing time recently.
This is the side I’d go with (I’d like to see Sheyi Ojo get some minutes, too):
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Bobby Vincent
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