27 Feb 2017

Confirmed Teams: Another massive blow for Liverpool; £50m duo out; 'amazing' academy sensation on the bench

As expected, Jordan Henderson is missing from Liverpool's squad for tonight's Premier League clash with Leicester City.

FULL TEAM: Mignolet, Clyne, Matip, Lucas, Milner, Can, Wijnaldum, Lallana, Mane, Coutinho, Firmino

SUBS: Karius, Moreno, Klavan, Stewart, Alexander-Arnold, Origi, Woodburn.

LEICESTER: Schmeichel, Simpson, Morgan (c), Huth, Fuchs, Drinkwater, Ndidi, Mahrez, Albrighton, Okazaki, Vardy

SUBS: Zieler, Chilwell, Gray, King, Amartey, Ulloa, Slimani.

* According to the Liverpool Echo: "Jordan Henderson has been ruled out of tonight's clash with Leicester City due to a foot injury. Henderson was hurt in training after a challenge with a team-mate".

* Lovren and Sturridge also miss out, with a knee injury and a (long-running) virus respectively.

* Emre Can comes into the side to cover for Henderson, and based on the personnel, it looks like a midfield three of Lallana, Wijnaldum, and Can.

I'll admit it: I have a bad feeling about this game. Leicester are gash this season but it's still the same team that won the Premier League, and in a one-off game, the Foxes are capable of beating any team in the league (as they proved last year).

Even with Henderson in the team, Liverpool lack strong, galvanising personalities, and on-field leadership is essential tonight to ensure the players stay focused, and do not allow complacency to sabotage the performance.

Who is going to step up? It's now 9 games without a goal/assist for Adam Lallana, and after his massive pay-rise, he must perform; ditto Coutinho, Firmino, and the other senior pros. There can be no excuses, especially after 16 days of recovery/planning time.

* Lovren: Cost £20m. Sturridge: £30m-rated. Woodburn: Hailed by Ian Rush as 'absolutely amazing'


Amen.


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