Possible LFC XI vs. Man City: 3 big decisions for BR; Reds to get 'steamrollered'...?

It's fantastic to see Liverpool sitting pretty at the top of the league, but in the words of Detective Marcus Burnett: the sh*t just got real. If results go the wrong way over the next couple of games, the Reds could plummet down the table to sixth place, and if any of the club's rivals build up any kind of momentum, it could be difficult to get back into the top four. Cometh the hour, cometh the team?

In his Monday press conference, Brendan Rodgers stressed the thinness of Liverpool's squad, noting that he had only 17 players from which to select for the crunch games against City and Chelsea.

That may be the case, but given Rodgers' (arguably) poor performance in the summer transfer market, it's hard to sympathise. In fact, it sounded to me like the manager was getting his excuses in early.

The club's injury situation remains the same: Gerrard, Sturridge, Enrique etc are all out. After picking up a knock against Cardiff, Jon Flanagan is also a doubt for the game, but with Martin Kelly now fully-fit, that shouldn't be much of an issue. As I see it, Rodgers has four decision to make:

Daniel Agger return?

The Dane came off the bench for the Cardiff game, and with a few senior players missing, experience could be vital against Man City. If Flanagan is not fit, should Agger come into the team at left-back? Even if Flanno makes the cut, perhaps Agger would be the best bet?

Stick with Skrtel and Sakho?

With only two goals conceded in the last three games, Skrtel and Sakho seem to be forming an effective partnership, so there's no real need to change. The only issue is the (seeming) lack of organisation in defence. Neither Skrtel nor Sakho appear to be natural organisers, and this (arguably) cost the Reds a goal against Cardiff City. That notwithstanding, based on Rodgers comments on Thursday, it seems like Sakho is a certain starter. He told reporters:

"I like his [Sakho's] aggression; he first and foremost wants to defend and is aggressive in his marking. He defends the crosses well and he can also play"

Rotate the squad?

The Reds may have injury worries, but Liverpool have some very fresh players in the squad to compensate. The likes of Alberto, Aspas, Toure, and even Moses, have played very little football recently, so if called-upon, they should be fit enough to put in a good shift for the club. Does Rodgers need to rotate, though? I personally don't think so. Keep it simple: Just stick with a winning team.

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson is not confidence of an LFC victory. Prediction a 2-0 defeat, he told the BBC:

"I just think this is the sort of game where City show not only their ability but also where their power makes a difference. The City steamroller has scored 16 goals in three games against Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham, and might get another outing".

Didi Hamann is excited about the game:

"What a game tonight. Free scoring City vs table toppers LFC. Biggest test yet for Liverpool".

Ex-Red Neil Mellor believes Liverpool can win the game. He tweeted:

"Huge game later at top of the premier league. The way Liverpool and Suarez are playing there is a great chance to end city superb home form"

Michael Owen also believes the Reds may have a chance:

"You'd have to say City are favourites playing at home but it may be a decent time for Liverpool to play them with City missing key players"

Can Liverpool do it? I think so. Aguero is out injured so that is a massive boost for the Reds, and if Suarez, Sterling and Henderson can continue their great attacking form, there's always a chance.

I have to admit, though, that Liverpool's vcontinued ulnerability in the air - especially from set-pieces - is a worry, and with Edin Dzeko upfront this could turn out to be a major problem.

My prediction: 2-2 or 3-2 to Liverpool.

Author: Jaimie K