The return of Divock Origi, Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge made dropping out of the FA Cup earlier in the week a sweeter pill to swallow.
You can’t help but think that with these names available, our problems in front of goal are going to solve themselves.
Against the likes of Rudy Gestede and Gabby Agbonlahor (who always seems to hit the back of the net against us) though, it could be our problems in front of our own goal that decide the game.
After bagging a lovely brace against the Villans earlier in the season, is Sturridge the first name on the teamsheet? Will Ward finally get some minutes in a Red shirt? Let’s take a look.
Simon Mignolet
To answer the earlier question: no. Because this is a “Predicted XI” and not a “Wishful Thinking XI”, the Belgian starts above Danny Ward despite doing little to deserve it. If he isn’t starting against West Ham in the FA Cup fourth round, I don’t know where he’s getting game time.
Alberto Moreno
The pressure of Brad Smith snapping at his heels for the left-back slot has seemed to unnerve Albie instead of inspire him. Maybe a week’s rest is what the lad needed to resurrect the form he showed when Jurgen Klopp first came in.
Mamadou Sakho
Providing he doesn’t get too hammered on Saturday night for his birthday, the out-of-form Frenchman is still the first centre back on the teamsheet given Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel’s injuries. Tiago Ilori and Lucas Leiva both impressed against West Ham, though, so wouldn’t be too much of a shame to see one of them here.
Kolo Toure
The fan favourite has played beyond what’s been expected of him recently, but that’s still some distance from what it takes to be a starting Liverpool centre-back. Injuries to the previously mentioned players means he starts on a technicality, but he definitely wants a clean sheet.
Nathaniel Clyne
He still has his doubters, but with Jon Flanagan not only returning from injury, but playing 90 minutes plus in his last two games, means that Clyne can sleep easy knowing he’ll be starting. Flanagan should be giving him a few nightmares though.
Lucas Leiva
I love Leiva, but can’t wait to see us bring in a powerhouse central defensive mid like a Lars Bender or Grzegorz Krychowiak.
Emre Can
He’s split opinions lately, but if he’s ever going to fill the potential everyone goes on about him having, he needs to play. The week’s rest will do him well, and it’s about time he reminded us how good he can be.
Jordan Henderson
You always want to see players willing to run through walls to play for Liverpool FC, but you feel like Henderson might be trying too hard to impress. You’re already our captain, lad, playing while clearly still sporting an injury isn’t helping anyone. James Milner would be a decent shout to start here, but again, the week’s rest could be what Jordan needed.
Adam Lallana
While his career may have peaked a few weeks ago against Norwich, he may as well have a pop at a 40-yard over-header or something against Villa. Double hat-trick maybe? Whatever the case, he plays well with the two Brazilians on the pitch, and in fairness has added a few goals and assists to his record lately.
Philippe Coutinho
Yes lad!
He’s back. After a goal against West Ham and only 60 minutes, he has to start. Show us what we’ve been missing. This man alone is enough to get me excited to watch us play Aston Villa. The next lad doesn’t hurt either…
Roberto Firmino
As a striker, he has six goals and five assists in six starts. Those are bonkers numbers. You get shades of Luis Suarez with Firmino – he can bang them in up top, but only look on disappointed that we’re leaking them in the back. But if we concede three, let’s just score five instead.
His runs paired with Coutinho’s vision and pass to match mean that leaving Daniel Sturridge on the bench might not be the maddest thing ever. With the final on the horizon, the coward in me thinks Sturridge should only hop in and out for 10-15 minute appearances until then so he’s definitely fit to play Man City. Firmino can take care of us while he’s not though.