Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers dropped a number of big hints in the days leading up to today’s meeting with Manchester City and the speculation has been proven correct with Alberto Moreno set to make his debut in the famous red shirt at the Etihad Stadium.
The Northern Irishman hinted that the fullback, who completed his protracted transfer from Sevilla earlier this month, was ready to play despite only being with the squad for a short while. His inclusion sees compatriot and fellow Anfield new-boy Javier Manquillo drop the bench as Glen Johnson shifts back over to the right flank after being played on the left in their 2-1 win over Southampton last Sunday.
Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel keep their place in front of Simon Mignolet, but there are changes a bit further up-field with Lucas dropping to the bench and Joe Allen coming into the side for the Brazilian. Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson are hold-overs from the win against the Saint’s along with a front three consisting of Philippe Coutinho, Raheem Sterling and ex-Manchester City striker Daniel Sturridge.
From the bench, Rodgers will be able to call on ‘keeper Brad Jones, defenders Javier Manquillo, Mamadou Sakho and Kolo Toure, as well as Emre Can and Lazar Markovic in the midfield and Rickie Lambert up top.
Manuel Pellegrini has kept it pretty steady freddy by not tweaking his side too much compared to the one that ran out 2-0 winners over Newcastle United in their first match of the season. As expected, Steven Jovetic joins Edin Dzeko up top with Serigo Aguero only fit enough for the bench. New boy Fernando comes into the team and will be joined by Samir Nasri, Yaya Toure and David Silva in the midfield. Joe Hart has beaten off the threat of being replaced by Willy Caballero to keep his place between the sticks and he’ll have Pablo Zabaleta, Martín Demichelis, Vincent Kompany and Gael Clichy for company.
The Chilean is spoilt for choice when it comes to his reserves with shot-stopper Willy Caballero, defenders Bacary Sagna and Aleksander Kolarov, Brazilian international Fernandinho, James Milner and Jesus Navas in the midfield and the almost fit Serigo Aguero rounding out the bench.
Be sure to pop by after the match for a full recap and other assorted craziness as we break down the afternoons events.
