EXETER CITY
vs
LIVERPOOL FC
St. James Park, Exeter
Friday, 8th January 2016,
19:55 GMT
****
Liverpool FCai??i??s match against Exeter City in the 3rd round of the FA Cup sounds like a straight-forward enough affair on paper. Seeing how Exeter City are a team sitting 11 points above the relegation zone of Football League 2, which is the fourth division of England, one would imagine the question asked wonai??i??t be a will Liverpool win?a , but rather a by how much of a margin would Liverpool win?a .
But the reality is far more complex. Jurgen Kloppai??i??s Liverpool FC side have been hit by an unprecedented number of injuries, leaving his options threadbare. Klopp has no choice but to field a side of supporting cast and young up & comers in this game.
Exeter City Team News & Tactics
The Grecians are not without their own injury woes, with influential forward David Wheeler, and playmaker Ryan Harley set to miss this game.
a ai??i??we donai??i??t want to come off the pitch feeling we have left ourselves short and havenai??i??t had a go. They are not infallible, they have injuries and who knows what team the manager will select? I just hope we come off having given it a good shot. Thatai??i??s really what I am looking for.a ai??i?? Paul Tisdale.
Liverpool FC: Team News & Tactics
Flanagan ai??i?? Skrtel – Sakho ai??i?? Gomez
———Henderson – Rossiter——-
—— Ibe ai??i?? Coutinho ai??i?? Origi——–
————–Sturridge—————-
Bench: Lovren, Toure, Ings
Klopp has little option but to field a side full of youngsters against Exeter City. Heai??i??s been working hard on reinforcing the squad by recalling players on loan at other clubs, with the likes of center-half Tiago Ilori , and wingers Ryan Kent and Sheyi Ojo all being called back. All three players are likely to get a start against Exeter.
Man to watch: Joe Allen
Joe “Welsh Xavi” Allen has been with Liverpool FC since 2012, when he followed manager Brendan Rodgers from Swansea City. He’s had his ups and downs, but he’s spent most of this season on the periphery. In fact, he’s recently admitted that his contract situation is uncertain, with his contract running out by the end of next season.Predictions: Exeter City 1-2 Liverpool FC
Despite having quite a few players who are good on the ball, the most likely route to goal might turn out to be a cross to Benteke in the box. The expected line-up has a wealth of wide-playing talent like Ojo and Kent, who may not be classical wingers, but are adept at taking up wide positions. Add to the mix left-back Brad Smith, who seems to have a knack for launching in some excellent crosses from his flank. It’s exactly the kind of service Christian Benteke thrives on, and should yield Liverpool FC enough goals to progress from this round of the Cup.
Blast from the past
Have a look at Luis Suarez doing what Luis Suarez does best, and slam the ball into goal through a number of Exeter bodies in the way.
