Ludogorets v Liverpool – Prematch Thoughts

In a little under an hour Liverpool will turn out in the Vasil Levski National Stadium to take on Ludogorets Razgrad in, what many LFC fans would consider to be a must-win match in order to maintain their challenge in the Champions League and in doing so qualify for the knockout stages. This would be a major coup for Brendan Rodgers who has come in for considerable criticism lately for his team selection and resulting poor performances in the Premiership this season.

I expect Rodgers to bring Kolo Touré back into the side along with Alberto Moreno. Unfortunately one of the season’s poor performers Glen Johnson will probably join fellow struggler Martin Skrtel to make up the back four. For me, this is a match that should see a starting place for Emre Can, Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson line up behind Raheem Sterling in a midfield diamond. A front two of Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert should take the two striking places.

However, seeing as this is an away match, it’s probably likely Lambert may take the loan striker’s role. ahead of Lazar Markovic and Adam Lallana making up the width ahead of the Can, Allen and Henderson. Sterling, from his recent performances could probably do with a rest – or being dropped, depending on how you want to look at it.

This is a crucial match for Liverpool. It’s not vital that they win it but the more games you win, the further you’ll go. Pretty basic I think. This should also be a chance for the likes of Can, Markovic and Touré to impress. The latter of which, should he put in a good stint tonight would merit a place in the weekend’s visit from Stoke City which in itself is a vital match consider the mire the team has found itself in.

I have to say, against the wishes of many I’m sure that my patience is wearing thin with Rodgers who seems intent on making things difficult for himself and the team. I repeat, I do respect Rodgers. He’s been good for the club up until now. However, the time has come for him to be ruthless and put out a team on merit. This means no place for Steven Gerrard, Dejan Lovren, Mario Balotelli (when fit again), Glen Johnson and as much as it burns me to say it, probably Sterling.

The way forward is quite simple for the Liverpool boss: Pander to reputations, or save your job. As they say, you can’t please everybody all of the time only some of the people some of the time. Who’s it going to be? We’ll know later. Grab a beer, put your feet up, tune in and let’s get this game on!

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