Rodgers Set for Midfield Trio v Spurs

so this was a spot-on analysis, except it happened the other way around. After a very bright start it became clear that Spurs were going to win the game because Bale and Dembele were so effective with the ball in the midfield. Rodgers sacrificed Coutinho for Allen and the reds improved immediately, Allen's mobility and knack for linking together passes made a big improvement. The headlines are that Spurs threw it away, but at the same time Liverpool were only able to assert any kind of pressure whatsoever on the ball once Allen entered the game.

Suarez, Sturridge and Coutinho should definitely start together, all are bang in form and were all fantastic when last in tandem - against Swansea. I feel Lucas will be a key player, as he usually is in big games, and will have to be aware tracking Bale's movement when the Welshman begins to drift from the left, in order to find space - due to the defensive cover on Liverpool's right, which I will explain below. Although, if we were to start with a midfield two, Downing would definitely not do a disservice in helping Johnson against Bale, when the occasion arrives to double up against the Welshman. Stewart could also be key due to being left-footed, on the right-hand side, and preventing Bale from cutting inside. We also should be aware not to over-commit on Bale, (even though I've spoke of the contrary!) leaving space for the likes of Defoe and Lennon, players who have hurt us in the past. I'm also not worried about Dembele, as it stands. Stevie is looking right at home in this campaign's deep midfield role; and has more than enough defensive ability to prevent the Belgian breaking forward and causing harm to our back four. Also, I feel we'll let Suarez drop deep onto one of Spurs' midfield duo, as his defensive work never comes into question. 4-2-3-1 would be the best choice in my opinion. Reina Johnson Carragher Agger Enrique Gerrard Lucas Downing Suarez Coutinho Sturridge ____________________ This enables us to have defensive cover against Bale on the right flank (their left), and balance that with enough attacking threat with the other three members in the front four. Suarez would be my choice to disrupt their midfield when we don't have the ball, whilst dropping off Sturridge, who should be nice and fresh, considering he's been game free since our demolition of Swansea. And the more I see of Coutinho, the more I like. He's good defensively, has a good understanding with Luis, and has fit seamlessly into our front-line. All in all, I'm very excited about what should be a close game, that promises a few goals, and a showdown between two of the league's best players. But we have more than enough in our locker to beat the North Londoners. Liverpool 2 (Gerrard, Sturridge) - Spurs 1 (Bale)