Sturridge Out, Coutinho Starts: Predicted Liverpool Starting XI To Take On Basel

Liverpool will look to maintain their 100% start to the Champions League group phase when they take on Basel in Switzerland tomorrow night. Here is a predicted line-up:

Goalkeeper: No question that Simon Mignolet will start this game unless he picks up a late injury.

Defence: Brendan Rodgers has few options to change things up in defence due to a number of injuries. Mamadou Sakho has been ruled out for up to three weeks with a thigh injury that he picked up in training this week so Martin Skrtel is expected to continue alongside Dejan Lovren at the back.

Glen Johnson and Jon Flanagan are also still on the sidelines so on-loan Javier Manquillo will continue to deputise at right-back with Alberto Moreno at left-back.

Midfield: Jordan Henderson made his return at the weekend during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Everton so he should keep his place alongside Steven Gerrard in midfield with Joe Allen still missing. Philippe Coutinho could start just in front of the duo as Emre Can is also still injured and Lucas Leiva has fallen out-of-favour under Rodgers.

Attack: Daniel Sturridge has missed the trip to Switzerland as he continues to nurse a thigh injury so Mario Balotelli is expected to lead the line up front once again. The Italian will be supported by Raheem Sterling in attack while Adam Lallana could get the nod over Lazar Markovic – who is available having served his European ban.

This is how I think we’ll see Liverpool line-up tomorrow:

What do you think of the team? What side would you pick for the game?