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Pick your Liverpool team to face Lille OSC
Rafa set to make changes after Wigan debacle...
10 Mar 2010 14:31:00
By Neil Jones | Liverpool Correspondent
Picking a Rafael Benitez team is never easy, but here is the chance for Goal.com UK readers to do just that.
Liverpool's disappointing defeat at the hands of Wigan Athletic was their ninth of an utterly below-par league campaign, but the Europa League offers a sanctuary of sorts - a break from the suffocating pressure of Premier League combat, and the Reds' last hope of silverware.
Changes are likely in the Liverpool line-up, though not necessarily enforced. Yossi Benayoun is the only fresh doubt for Benitez, having sustained a slight ankle knock at the DW Stadium. A late decision will be made on the Israeli's fitness, with Ryan Babel and Albert Riera on standby to replace him.
Daniel Agger's knee injury is improving, and he may replace Sotirios Kyrgiakos in the centre of defence. Glen Johnson could return to the starting line-up, having traversed a testing 37 minutes in Lancashire, and his arrival would allow Javier Mascherano to return to his more favoured midfield role.
Benitez has a decision to make over Alberto Aquilani, who impressed in a half-hour cameo on Monday. The Italian has been used as a substitute mainly this year, but freshened up the Reds' passing game at Wigan, and may have earned himself a start.
Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard, poor in the same game, should both retain their places, but they will be aided by the absence of Maxi Rodriguez - who is ineligible. Kuyt may find his place in doubt if Benitez opts to afford David Ngog, the young French striker, his third successive European start.
Goalkeepers: Reina, Cavalieri.
Defenders: Carragher, Agger, Insua, Johnson, Kelly, Darby, Degen, Ayala.
Midfielders: Mascherano, Lucas, Gerrard, Aquilani, Spearing, Riera, Benayoun, El-Zhar, Plessis.
Forwards: Torres, Ngog, Babel, Kuyt, Pacheco.
With that in mind, here is Goal.com UK's selection, using Benitez's trusted 4-2-3-1 formation:
Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Insua; Mascherano, Gerrard; Benayoun Aquilani, Babel; Torres
Changes are undoubtedly needed, and Johnson's return will add a zest and energy to the Reds' right side. Agger's composure and passing trump Kyrgiakos' brute force, whilst Kuyt's lethargy at Wigan means Babel should be given a chance to shine from the start - as he did in the previous round against Unirea Urziceni.
Aquilani deserves a chance to continue his useful form, and with the Italian and Gerrard in the team, the Reds should offer more of a threat on a night when the away goal could be crucial.
Do you agree? Let us know! Post your team in the space below.
Picking a Rafael Benitez team is never easy, but here is the chance for Goal.com UK readers to do just that.
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Liverpool's disappointing defeat at the hands of Wigan Athletic was their ninth of an utterly below-par league campaign, but the Europa League offers a sanctuary of sorts - a break from the suffocating pressure of Premier League combat, and the Reds' last hope of silverware.
Changes are likely in the Liverpool line-up, though not necessarily enforced. Yossi Benayoun is the only fresh doubt for Benitez, having sustained a slight ankle knock at the DW Stadium. A late decision will be made on the Israeli's fitness, with Ryan Babel and Albert Riera on standby to replace him.
Daniel Agger's knee injury is improving, and he may replace Sotirios Kyrgiakos in the centre of defence. Glen Johnson could return to the starting line-up, having traversed a testing 37 minutes in Lancashire, and his arrival would allow Javier Mascherano to return to his more favoured midfield role.
Benitez has a decision to make over Alberto Aquilani, who impressed in a half-hour cameo on Monday. The Italian has been used as a substitute mainly this year, but freshened up the Reds' passing game at Wigan, and may have earned himself a start.
Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard, poor in the same game, should both retain their places, but they will be aided by the absence of Maxi Rodriguez - who is ineligible. Kuyt may find his place in doubt if Benitez opts to afford David Ngog, the young French striker, his third successive European start.
Goalkeepers: Reina, Cavalieri.
Defenders: Carragher, Agger, Insua, Johnson, Kelly, Darby, Degen, Ayala.
Midfielders: Mascherano, Lucas, Gerrard, Aquilani, Spearing, Riera, Benayoun, El-Zhar, Plessis.
Forwards: Torres, Ngog, Babel, Kuyt, Pacheco.
With that in mind, here is Goal.com UK's selection, using Benitez's trusted 4-2-3-1 formation:
Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Insua; Mascherano, Gerrard; Benayoun Aquilani, Babel; Torres
Changes are undoubtedly needed, and Johnson's return will add a zest and energy to the Reds' right side. Agger's composure and passing trump Kyrgiakos' brute force, whilst Kuyt's lethargy at Wigan means Babel should be given a chance to shine from the start - as he did in the previous round against Unirea Urziceni.
Aquilani deserves a chance to continue his useful form, and with the Italian and Gerrard in the team, the Reds should offer more of a threat on a night when the away goal could be crucial.
Do you agree? Let us know! Post your team in the space below.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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