How Liverpool should lineup against Stoke City – Part 1

Jose Enrique

Left Back

Jose Enrique

The transfer window has provided more speculations as to if Rodgers will purchase a left back to have an understudy to Enrique or perhaps, take over his mantle from the lineup.

Enrique is not the fastest left back to be reckoned with, neither does he makes compelling attacking runs into the penalty box. Liverpool’s weakness since Risse hit a slump in 2007 has been to find a resurgent left back, with a host of players since occupying the position, before Enrique was purchased.

Another worry for Rodgers at this position is the EPL’s perennial threat from the right side of its wings (Enrique’s opposition) which has scuppered Liverpool’s flow in several games. During preseason, Enrique was sloppy in clearances too and continually wayward in fortressing the defense.

However, one thing favoring the Spanish international is his size, and against Stoke, he could be utile enough to curb the opponent’s visceral game.

Defensive/Holding Midfielder

Lucas Leiva

The Brazilian has subtly ascended to this position, and now rightfully can be stated as one of Liverpool’s best players. His presence not only assures the likes of Steven Gerrard and Phillipe Coutino to make virulent runs forward, but provides a formidable link between defense and attack.

Lucas’ inability to not flourish in the goal scoring column is not unbeknownst but he makes it up with his crafty playmaking and commensurate distribution of the ball across different thirds of the pitch. Not troubled by the mismatch in height, the defensive midfielder lunges into tackles, often eventuating as the victor.

Liverpool needs a balance in the 4-3-3 system without too much focus being shifted towards the attack; Lucas warrants this with his ability to feature between defense and the two attacking midfielders in the formation. 2013-14 might be his big chance to earn a call-up into the Brazilian National Team for the World Cup next year.

Key Matchups

Daniel Agger versus Peter Crouch

The Englishman’s authority in air is renowned but he should not expect it to be plain sailing against Daniel Agger. Crouch will also go up against Toure, however, Agger will be the one Brendan Rodgers tasks to mark the 6 feet 7 inches striker. Mark Hughes might hope for a speedy recovery from Brek Shea or Cameron Jerome to be more involved in the game – in order to distract either Agger or Toure from pertaining too much towards Crouch.

Marc Muniesa versus Glen Johnson

While it remains to be seen if Muniesa or Pennant will line up on the left side of the midfield, Johnson will need to more watchful towards the former for his blistering face, deadly crosses and toppy footwork. Johnson might have to be on the ascendancy to hinder Muniesa’s dribbling that earned him praise at Barcelona, but also keenly come back despite long runs up front – a weakness well documented of the English right back.

Possible changes

It will be very unlikely for Mignolet, Agger or either of the full backs to lose their place on Game Day but if Rodgers needs an impetus to give Skrtel a deserved first team chance, he might have to do it in this game.

Stoke pose a huge threat aerially and Toure, although boasts a bagful of experience, isn’t as magisterial as Skrtel in air. The Slovak’s height is an onus for Rodgers to start him, for he can mark either Crouch or Jerome – an uncertainty with Toure.

Having said all this, Toure was by far the most comfortable defender in Liverpool’s preseason so far. To remove him from the lineup might not be too smart after all as it could spoil the chemistry he has forged with Daniel Agger.

Who will it be? To be safe, I am going with Toure but it might not be a surprise to see Martin Skrtel at centre half against Stoke.

Analysis of the opponent’s attack

Stoke’s primary weapon of attack is through aerial balls but with Mark Hughes at helm, the club could sheepishly sneak in a goal through creative passing and run-ins. Jermaine Pennant and Marc Muniesa will be the kernels in the game for Stoke, to pump in as many as crosses as possible with Crouch and Jerome eagerly awaiting it in the penalty box.

Wilson Palacious may not remain silent either, and might force Lucas to come out of position to matchup against him, which could in return disturb Liverpool’s flow.

As the game progresses, Stoke might resort back to 4-4-2 to win back possession or even a 4-3-2-1 with Crouch playing up alone. If either of the formations eventuates over the course of the game, Liverpool will need to move players converging inside – from the spread that both teams will employ with 4-4-2.