Brendan Rodgers was looking forward to the end of the international break — not just because it meant regular football was going to resume, but also because he’d have a number of players back from injury. Today, two of them have made the starting eleven against Newcastle.
Both Glen Johnson and Aly Cissokho have gained immediate recalls to the team. Johnson picked up a knock in the Reds 1-0 win over Manchester United at the beginning of September and Cissokho only lasted a few minutes into his debut against Notts County in the League Cup. Mamadou Sakho, Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure all get a recall to the backline while former Sunderland ‘keeper Simon Mignolet starts between the sticks.
The surprise in midfield is that there’s no place for Brazilian midfielder Lucas — even on the bench — as Jordan Henderson holds onto a central role to start alongside Reds captain Steven Gerrard. Victor Moses makes yet another appearance in the Number 10 role behind the red hot duo of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.
On the other side of the pitch, Newcastle has Hatem Ben Arfa playing in an advanced role with Loïc Rémy and Yoan Gouffran in front of him. Tim Krul will backstop the side and Mathieu Debuchy, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Mike Williamson and Davide Santon will hold down the backline. Yohan Cabaye, Cheick Tioté, and Moussa Sissoko playing through the midfield.
Make sure to join us after the match for a full recap of the days proceedings.
