Lallana Starts: Predicted Liverpool Starting XI To Take On Aston Villa

Premier League action returns this weekend after the international break as Liverpool take on Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday evening. Here is our predicted line-up for the Merseysiders.

Goalkeeper: No doubt Simon Mignolet will start in goal unless he picks up an injury over the next 48 hours.

Defence: Brendan Rodgers has a number of injury concerns to deal with in defence. Martin Skrtel is still out with a knee problem that’s hampered him in recent weeks so Mamadou Sakho is likely to partner Dejan Lovren in the middle of the back four.  Glen Johnson is still out with a thigh injury so Javier Manquillo should slot in at right-back as Jon Flanagan is also still unavailable.

Midfield: Rodgers confirmed at his press conference earlier today that Emre Can is facing up to six weeks out with an ankle injury while Joe Allen is also facing a late fitness test on a knee injury sustained in midweek. Should the Welshman be ruled out, it could see Jordan Henderson drop in next to Steven Gerrard in midfield with Philippe Coutinho drafted in to the starting eleven just in front of the pair.

Attack: Raheem Sterling is a cert to start and with Daniel Sturridge out for up to three weeks, Mario Balotelli is expected to play through the middle. Rodgers will then have to decide between Lazar Markovic or Adam Lallana for the last remaining spot in the side, but I think the Northern Irishman will go with the England international.

Here’s how Liverpool could line-up this weekend:

What do you think of our team? What side would you pick?