For this first time in forever, Brendan Rodgers has named an unchanged side; a team that’s good enough to beat Tottenham Hotspur 5-0 is good enough to dispatch Cardiff City.
Predictably, Simon Mignolet starts in the Liverpool goal with the resurgent Martin Skrtel keeping his run in the starting line-up going and Mamadou Sakho retaining his place beside him. There was some speculation that vice-captain Daniel Agger could be recalled to the starting eleven after the club rejected a loan move from Napoli earlier this week, but the big Dane remains on the bench. Glen Johnson and Jon Flanagan keep their places on the flanks with the latter scoring his first Premier League goal for the club last weekend.
With Steven Gerrard still injured, the midfield trio of Jordan Henderson, Joe Allen and Lucas hold onto their spots after working to great effect against Spurs last time out. Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling start up top alongside man of the moment Luis Suarez who ended months of speculation regarding his future by signing a new long term contract with Liverpool yesterday.
Malky Mackay is at Anfield and will be in charge of the Bluebirds today after last minute talks with primary stakeholder Vincent Tan gave the Scotsman a stay of execution. David Marshall starts between the sticks for the visitors and he’ll have Kevin Theophile-Catherine, Steven Caulker, Ben Turner and Andrew Taylor for company as they try to stop a Liverpool team that has been nothing short of immense.
Gary Medel and Aron Gunnarsson will be laying deep in the midfield while former Liverpool trainee Craig Noone, Jordon Mutch and Peter Whittingham support lone striker Peter Odemwingie.
From the bench Rodgers has Jones, Toure, Agger, Alberto, Aspas, Moses and Kelly at his disposal, while Mackay will be able to call upon Lewis Hudson, Cornelius, Campbell, Kim, Cowie and John if need be — we’re sure he’s going to need them.
Stop by after the match for a complete match reaction and other assorted goodies…
