Possible LFC XI vs. Spurs: 5 big decisions for BR; Reds on brink of disaster...?

After victories for Chelsea, Man City and Everton yesterday, Liverpool are now in fifth place in the Premier League, and with further away games to come against both Chelsea and City - who are seemingly invincible at home - a win for the Reds against Spurs this afternoon is imperative if the club is to maintain over the Christmas period its position in the top four.

On the injury front:

* Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge, and Jose Enrique are all out.

* BR confirmed on Friday that Jordan Henderson is 'fine' and should be available for today's game.

After their 6-0 hammering by Man City, Spurs are in the midst of a resurgence at the moment:

* Unbeaten in the last five games.
* Won four of the last five.
* Soldado grabbed a midweek hat-trick, so he'll be confident.
* Eriksen made his return from injury this week.

Make no mistake, this is going to be a tough game for Liverpool, and defeat today could spark a disastrous Premier League freefall for the Reds over Christmas. Away victories at Chelsea and Man City are even more difficult to achieve, so a positive result today is essential.

With three key injuries, the Liverpool team pretty much picks itself, but as I see it, Rodgers has several important decisions to make:

* Stick with 433, or switch 352/4132
* Keep the Sakho/Skrtel partnership, or bring back Agger?
* Keep Sterling in the starting line-up?
* Keep Flanagan at left back?
* Who will captain the Reds?

433/532

Spurs usually play 433 (or variations thereof), so I see no logical sense in reverting to 352. 433 is working fine for Liverpool at the moment; the players are comfortable with it, and going into such a big game, the Reds should (IMO) stick with the formation they know best. For example, Flanagan has rarely (if ever) played in that formation for the Reds, so that could cause an element of uncertainty.

Additionally, it wouldn't work anyway as one of the Reds central midfielders would have to miss out in order to accommodate Coutinho in the number 10 role, and with tough midfielders like Sandro, Dembele and Paulinho in Spurs' squad, I can't see Rodgers leaving out Henderson, Allen or Lucas. Plus, who would play alongside Suarez? Aspas hasn't started a game since his injury, and Rodgers doesn't seem to trust him, so to throw him in against Spurs where he's not match-fit would be a mistake.

Central defence

Skrtel and Sakho put great performances last week, and only a freak own-goal meant LFC didn't keep a clean sheet. There's no reason to change that partnership this week. Agger may be vice-captain, but if he has to sit this one out, then so be it. Rodgers has complained recently about being 'unable' to field a settled back four; well, he has a chance to do that now, and changing things around after a 4-1 victory would constitute needless tinkering.

Sterling

Sterling had a good game against West Ham, and was unlucky to be subbed off, and although I think he deserves to start today's game, I have a feeling Rodgers will go for Victor Moses, mainly due to his greater experience against the better teams in the league. Since arriving at the club, Moses' creative output is pitiful (1 goal/no assists all season), so if the nigerian gets the nod, he really needs to produce at least a goal or an assist, or face another lengthy spell on the bench.

Flanagan

Flanagan hasn't done much wrong over the last few weeks, so he'll probably keep his place in the team. There's always an outside chance that Daniel Agger may come in at left back, especially against top opposition, and I personally wouldn't have a problem with that. The extra experience in a game like this may come in handy, though as we've seen, Agger is prone to mistakes, especially during aerial duels in the six-yard box.

Captain

On Monday, I argued that Rodgers spring a surprise and promote Luis Suarez to LFC captain, and judging by his comments on Friday, it appears that he's actively considering it. Rodgers told reporters:

"We shall see who will be captain. Would Luis be ready? 100%, absolutely. We will have to wait and see what my decision is at White Hart Lane. You'll see then."

If Daniel Agger starts, the he will almost definitely captain the team. I can't see any scenario where the Dane starts and is ignored for another player. That would be a massive, very public snub, and would create negative publicity for the player and the club. If, however, he doesn't start, then it's a different story. Given all of the above, I expect Rodgers to go with the following line-up:

--------------- Mignolet

Johnson --- Skrtel -- Sakho ----- Flanagan

--------------- Lucas

----------- Hendo -- Allen

---- Moses ------------- Coutinho

-------------- Suarez

My preferred line-up:

--------------- Mignolet

Johnson --- Skrtel -- Sakho ----- Agger

----------- Lucas -- Hendo

--------------- Allen

-- Sterling ------------- Coutinho

-------------- Suarez

* Allen playing further forward than Henderson, whose physical presence and pressing skills will be needed closer to goal.

* Sterling/Coutinho in the same team may be a little lightweight against Spurs, but they've both played well in recent weeks, and Sterling brings pace to the side.

Whatever way you look at it, take Suarez out and there is a severe lack of goals and assists in this team. Henderson hasn't scored in 15 games, and has only one assist in that period; Moses, Lucas and Allen have zero assists between them, and just one goal, and even Coutinho is not as prolific as creator this season. The Reds have been banging in the goals recently, but it may be more difficult against superior opposition today, and if Spurs follow the Hull template and isolate Suarez, then it could be a frustrating afternoon for the Reds.

Predicting a 2-0 victory for Spurs (!), Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson argued that AVB's team has 'come good' after the 6-0 mauling at the Etihad, adding:

"I can see them making it three in a row with a win at White Hart Lane. Liverpool have been very good at despatching teams at home but they have been inconsistent and dropped points away from Anfield. For me, you cannot under-estimate the impact that the loss Gerrard will have on them"

Reds Hero Jan Molby took a slightly more optimistic view. He told the Liverpool Echo:

"White Hart Lane has been a difficult place for Liverpool in recent years. Spurs have been blessed with a lot of flair and pace with the likes of Bale and Modric, but they aren’t the team they were in the past three years. They don’t have that quality of player any more. I’m not convinced about them".

Henderson, Allen and Moses (if he plays) really have to step up today, and I personally want to see specific creative contributions from at least of TWO of those players.

My prediction: 2-2

Author: Jaimie K