Does anyone think Riera deserves a start? Or anyone else apart from Pepe for that matter?
Seriously though I think there might be a few changes from Wednesdays game.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Hyypia come in for Skrtel. I reckon Insua will come in for Aurelio. Dossena to start ahead of Riera because I don't think Babel is in the squad is he? Yossi possible to start ahead of Gerrard and the obvious return of Mascherano ahead of Lucas.
Four unforced changes and then another one which might be forced.
Normally I'd be a bit uneasy about these 'rotations' but I wouldn't bat an eyelid if they happened because in my mind, they'd be justified.
Skrtel hasn't been right since coming back from international duty. We need solidarity at the back tomorrow and one player that defines that ethic and has proved time and again he can be solid when called upon, is big Sami. I also think with having Hyypia next to Carra tomorrow, it would restore some confidence back into Carra. Because he looked a far cry from his usual confident self on Wednesday night. And I have no doubt Skrtel would have the right reaction to being dropped - I think he's one of those players who'd take it on board and make sure he does better next time.
Insua played this fixture away and done a great job. Add to the fact Aurelio looked ropey on Wednesday and that Insua started against Fulham, it makes a bit of sense.
Dossena is obviously not a left back and whether people like it or not, I think he offers a threat further up the pitch. He was direct and attack minded against Fulham. Riera was pretty much the opposite on Wednesday. So I'd have Dossena ahead of Riera tomorrow - if is doesn't work, then Riera can always come off the bench.
Mascherano is available - you have to play him with Alonso. It's that simple for me. Lucas wasn't any worse than other players on Wednesday, but we missed that defensive attack in between midfield and defence without Mascherano. I can't stress how much the importance of the engine room is tomorrow! It's vital to get it ticking over again in that department.
And then with doubt over Gerrard, Yossi is probably the best option to play in the hole. He can also interchange with Kuyt on the right.
Could be totally different as we all know you can't second guess the team selection. But personally I feel a bit of a shake up is required. I watched confidence drain from the team in front of me the other night. It was heartbreaking to see. It was unfamiliar.
Biggest one so far. It's a huge huge game this and we need determination and desire to get the result. We can not afford to have a lot of players kicking a ball around the pitch thinking what they done wrong on Wednesday in the back of their minds.
Come on you reds!!!!!!!
