I’m assuming Ricardo is still carrying a minor groin injury and the other potential considerations are Ndidi’s match fitness and Maddison’s minor knock. In addition, there is the bright game from Perez recently and the pondering of Barnes and Thomas’ link up (although Rodgers may want a little more experience with Brighton likely to play with wing backs).
I think he may go for the following:
Kasper
Albrighton
Fofana
Evans
Fuchs
Justin
Mendy
Tielemans
Barnes
Perez
Vardy
My team:
Kasper
Justin
Fofana
Evans
Thomas (needs to get used to the physicality and his crossing ability is useful)
Ndidi (would must prefer to start him for a bit after a full pre match warm up than bring him on)
Tielemans
Barnes
Perez (deserves a start and is a good opportunity with Maddison having picked up a knock)
Under (deserves a start, and will only get used to 90 minutes if he is building up towards it. Would also be great as an impact sub, but that is never going to help build up his fitness and stamina)
Vardy
Team for Brighton
posted on 13/12/20
I think we might see the the same line up as AEK Athens but with Kasper and Vardy returning. Brighton don’t seem to sit back and wondering whether BR used the Athens game to test out formation in a lower pressure match. It does leave us with 3 players who don’t seem/ not fit to last the 90 in Under, Ndidi and Praet. Then it allows rotation back to a back 3 for the quick follow up on Wednesday.
posted on 13/12/20
Given BR’s behaviour so far this season I think that your original predicted eleven will be quite close to what he goes for. We will probably see 3/5 at the back. Personally, I’m not sure we’ll see Barnes or Under start as they both played the full game on Thursday and the noises BR has been making about Maddison suggest that he’ll be in the team. So it may be Maddison instead of Barnes in your BR eleven.
I don’t think that Brendan trusts the personnel he has available in a back four. Thomas is raw, Albrighton isn’t a right back and Fuchs maybe hasn’t the legs to be providing the width as an LB in a back four.
The problem I have with the five is that it doesn’t seem to effect our capacity to concede goals. So it’s not providing the protection that Brendan craves. I’d, therefore, probably go with a back four with N’didi covering. That would allow for an extra attacking player Barnes/Under to be picked. Also, there is an argument for Perez over Maddison on form. So, in other words, I’m agreeing with your own selection, but I’m probably less fixed on personnel. It might just be a case of who’s come through training well and looking fit and healthy.
posted on 13/12/20
I agree with your selection also. The key factor is whether Ndidi has 90 minutes in him.
I would not be angry to see any of Under, Perez or Barnes start. I think they’ve earned their opportunity. But if any of them do, they need to take it.
If Ndidi is fit, I think Rodgers will stick with a back 4. If he’s not, it’s will be a 3/5.
posted on 13/12/20
One thought: Against Zorya, Ndidi lasted 75 minutes. Against AEK, he lasted 60. I wonder whether that’s because Rodgers intends to give him a start this weekend.
posted on 13/12/20
comment by The_Dungeon_Master (U4830)
posted 7 hours, 41 minutes ago
One thought: Against Zorya, Ndidi lasted 75 minutes. Against AEK, he lasted 60. I wonder whether that’s because Rodgers intends to give him a start this weekend.
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Should we call you Brendan DM ?