i read somewhere markovic is going to get more opportunity, so expect to see him in in stead of sterling.
I don't understand why we'd rest Sterling for this game, I'd rather see him rested against the Bulgarian team.
I would imagine BR wants Sterling to cut his teeth on CL in what should be a fairly nice introduction, rather than in a potential morale-draining beating at the hands of RM.
This^. Although, we do have a decent record against Real, and they've not been playing well recently and other teams have been getting at them.
You negative bastard Think Sterling made his first league start against Man City, so I don't think he's the type of player that needs to be gently introduced into a competition. You can throw him straight in at the deep end and he'll still shine.
Mig Manquillo Lovren Sakho Moreno Hendo Gerrard Lallana Coutinho Balotelli Markovic Jones, Enrique, Toure, Lambert, Lucas, Borini, Sterling Sterling rested then and Lallana in for his debut while Makovic makes his first start
Happy with that team, I'd have played lambert in place of Couthino and up alongside Balo, but we'll see. Exciting new team!
Hope Coutinho's starting in midfield not on the left. He doesn't offer as much there. Plus Lallana played a lot on the left for Soton last season.
Compare that to last year and if we took out Sturridge & Sterling we had to play Aspas & Moses... it's a hell of an improvement. Not seen much of Markovic so far though, a lot of promise so hopefully he lives up to that promise. Balotelli needs to show why he's such a talent and play that lone striker role well today. He has all the attributes to do it, and he should get plenty of support from Coutinho, Lallana & Markovic. Just bit worries about being hit on the counter, everyone knows Villa do it well and have pace upfront. Need Gerrard to be disciplined and play well defensively today. Quick full backs will be a plus as well compared to having Johnson & Flanno who could be exploited by Agbonlahor's pace.
BBC Sport: "Among the dozens of 'Gerrard' and 'Sturridge' shirts outside Anfield, I did spot a couple of 'Balotelli's... "I have bad news for Reds fans hoping to join them, though. Despite Ayre claiming the Reds' merchandising department were ready for any increased demand following Balotelli's arrival, the club shop told me they have run out of 'L's." Lallana and Balotelli costing the club money...
