Liverpool FC were boosted by the news that Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho are fit to face Crystal Place after being left out of the starting XI against Rubin Kazan in midweek.
Liverpool beat Rubin 1-0 in the Europa League in midweek, despite the manager resting two of the most influential attacking players in recent times — Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho as a precaution.
The Reds’ manager was quoted as saying, regarding Coutinho, by This is Anfield: a He told me he was okay on Thursday, yeah!
a But I want go with what Ia m told, I didna t want to risk him a the same with Adam [Lallana].a
Providng a general information on fitness after the grueling trip to Russia in midweek for the Europa League, the Reds’ manager said: a We had some small problems after this game, normal problems, so we have to wait until the last minutes or hours until we are sure.
a But nothing serious in this moment. We will see who can train, then we start on the starting lineup.a
Liverpool are still without the injured Jordan Henderson, Jon Flanagan, Daniel Sturbridge and Jordan Rossister.
However, the return to fitness of Roberto Firming and the good form of Jordon Ibe means that there will be plenty of competition for places up front, with the attack led by the dangerous Christian Benteke.
Benteke himself is returning from injury but seems to be getting sharper and sharper every game, and his introduction in last week’s tie against Chelsea FC was a big game-changer.
The Reds faithful will be hoping for more of the same from the Big Belgian, with Origi expected to be on the bench again.
Skrtel, Mignolet, Lucas are expected to return to the starting XI after being rested for the majority of the Europa League tie.
. Predicted Liverpool FC XI: Mignolet, Clyne, Sakho, Skrtel, Moreno, Lucas, Can, Coutinho, Milner, Lallana, Benteke