Bolton Wanderers will start life without Gary Cahill when they host a struggling Liverpool side at the Reebok Stadium.
Liverpool, who are without a doubt one of the most successful clubs in English football seems to have run out of steam. Thanks to their outstanding defense and the incapability of their forwards, Kenny Dalglish’s men have been able to attain a string of draws in games that they should have won with their eyes closed.
When it comes to Liverpool, I cannot stop but ask some tough questions. But, then again, this is the same team that beat City a few days back and did the double over Chelsea in the League and Cup not so long ago.
People may say that Luis Suarez’s absence has had a role to play in these poor results, however, Liverpool were playing in the same manner even when their Uruguayan hitman was in the team. The problem is that the man is not a machine and he cannot create and score at the same time. I cannot wait for him to return to the lineup now with the influential Steven Gerrard back pulling the strings for Liverpool. However, Suarez is still suspended for his racist remarks. Andy Carroll has just not been good enough and Liverpool are expected to buy a striker in this transfer window. However, seeing that it has not happened yet, the Reds will start with Andy Carroll alone upfront.
Craig Bellamy will be on the bench at best after Kenny Dalglish told the press that the Welshman needed to be protected or he risked serious injury. That should mean that Dirk Kuyt and Stewart Downing will start the match, although it will be foolish to rule out Maxi Rodriguez, of whom you can be sure that he will create at least three clear chances – whether he takes them or not is a different issue altogether.
Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson should slot in the central midfield positions with Steven Gerrard at the top of a midfield trident. Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger start at the central defensive slots while Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique start at full back. Pepe Reina will be at goal.
Bolton on the other hand looked a bit shaken after the departure of Gary Cahill. The man was a huge presence for them in defense and it will be tough for anyone to fill in for him. David Ngog should start against his previous employers with Kevin Davies out as regular goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen is expected to make a comeback.
I predict a dull affair.