Liverpool travel to Switzerland to face FC Basel on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League 2014 after having been pegged back by a Phil Jagielka strike in the Merseyside Derby last weekend.
Here is a look at how the Reds may line-up against the Swiss giants:
Simon Mignolet
An unfortunate afternoon for the Belgian in goal against Everton as a solid performance between the sticks was ruined with an absolute screamer of a goal in the dying minutes of the game. Still dividing opinion at amongst the faithful at Anfield because of his indecisive command over crosses and set-pieces, Mignolet is Liverpool’s number 1 goal-keeper.
Javier Manquillo
Defensively solid, Manquillo dealt with everything thrown at him by the likes of Baines, Mirallas and McGeady with ease in the derby. The young Spaniard has a lot more that he can offer in attack especially with the crossing ability he possesses.
Martin Skrtel
The Slovakian was faultless all afternoon against Everton. Reminding the fans why his still one of the best defenders in the league, Skrtel’s return to the line-up adds athleticism and steel to the defence. Strong in the air and uncompromising in a tackle, Liverpool fans will hope their Slovakian can repeat his Derby performance against Basel.
Dejan Lovren
The Croatian centre-half had a solid game at the heart of the Liverpool defence against Everton. There was nothing much anyone could do to stop Phil Jagielka’s strike late on. Lovren will be expected to repeat his performance if not better it against Basel in the Champions League.
Alberto Moreno
After having his hands full with the physically imposing Romelu Lukaku all derby, Moreno would want nothing more than to take the pitch mid-week and show the Reds fans what he is all about. Occasionally fragile in defence, Moreno’s work-rate down the left is a key component to the Liverpool side.
Steven Gerrard
If the Merseyside Derby was Steven Gerrard’s fixture, the Champions League is his competition. It would take a very brave man to put it past the Liverpool skipper to better his derby performance.
Jordan Henderson
Though unnoticed in the derby game, Henderson is probably the first name on Rodgers’ team-sheet. Adding vision and passing range to his lung-busting athleticism, Henderson popped a few shots at goal from outside the box showing that he has more facets to his game that Mario Balotelli’s hairstyles.
Adam Lallana
If there is one thing Liverpool fans adore more than goals is a player playing his heart out. If the Middlesbrough performance was sign for things to come, Lallana has definitely taken it a step further with the derby performance. His link-up play with Henderson and Sterling was particularly delightful.
Raheem Sterling
The teenager shoulders the responsibility of the Liverpool attack as long as Daniel Sturridge makes his recovery. With Mario Balotelli somehow not finding the net despite all the effort, its down to young Sterling to secure the result of all of Liverpool’s attacking play in the absence of Sturridge.
Suso
While Lazar Markovic visibly requires time to adjust to English Football, Suso is one who has grown up playing here. Its high time Rodgers provides the youngster with first start of the season and with Borini and Markovic still off pace, its time Rodgers’ gives Suso a go in the first team.
Mario Balotelli
The Italian worked tirelessly all derby but somehow managed to miss the golden chance of his Liverpool career. Hopefully, Mario wears his scoring boots when he takes the field against Basel.
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