Liverpool vs. Brighton. FA Cup.
Apologies for how busy my life is. Lack of match thoughts and anything during the week have been attributed to a project and too many assignments.
But that’s not important, we are in the fifth round of the FA Cup against Championship side Brighton. If that name seems familiar, it’s because we’ve already played them this year in the Carling Cup. We won 2-1 away at Brighton. This time we have them at Anfield and they can’t be happy to have us again.
With Maxi back from injury (who knew he was injured?), along with both Jack Robinson and John Flanagan, we could play some good youth players, but I don’t think we will. Lucas is our only long-term injury at this point, as Fabio Aurelio seems to be healthy (obviously due to lack of match time or the forces of some deity keeping his body together for the time being).
On to the fun…
Who starts for Liverpool?
Reina
Kelly–Skrtel–Agger–Enrique
Spearing–Henderson
Kuyt–Downing
Carroll–Suarez
Pepe Reina will probably not be displaced as keeper. We could possibly see a back line shake up with Martin Kelly being thrown for match experience he has easily earned. Glen Johnson easily holds the position but we have lots of depth at the position with Kelly and Flanagan behind Johnson. Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger will probably get a start, but don’t be surprised if Jamie Carragher and/or Sebastian Coates gets a start for some match time and fitness. Jose Enrique will probably start at left-back unless they want to save him for whatever reason.
Since fatigue shouldn’t be too much of a concern, the midfield is questionable. Kenny Dalglish has said that this match will be how players can earn a spot next Sunday in the Carling Cup final. I wouldn’t be surprised if he played some players who are on the fringe of the starting XI, but have played in and out of it throughout the year. Jay Spearing should get a start as a defensive midfielder who does whatever he wants since that’s what he really does. Jordan Henderson could get a start in an advanced position, but I really do see Steven Gerrard getting the start even though I don’t have him listed.
The amount of attackers is going to depend how many midfielders there are. If Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez start up top, then there will probably only be two midfielders (remember last time this happened? Most notably against Bolton). If Dalglish really means players can earn and lose spots for the final next week then we could see Stewart Downing and Dirk Kuyt on each side of the strikers. I would not be surprised to see Craig Bellamy in the XI though.
You heard it here first though. Joao Carlos Teixeira will be on the bench and make his Liverpool debut. Will it happen? No, but I like rumors.
How can Liverpool win?
Exerting Liverpool’s quality is going to be the key thing. Liverpool are expected to control possession and have a fair number of chances. Again, finishing them is the problem. If Liverpool can get two goals, then I see no reason why they shouldn’t win. But again, finishing chances is going to be the biggest thing for the crew up against a Brighton team that are no pushovers.
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