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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 07: Dean Whitehead of Stoke City challenges Raheem Sterling of Liverpool during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Stoke City at Anfield on October 7, 2012 in Liverpool, England.
Liverpool FC are very unpredictable. Terribly so. They can quite simply go from a loss to West Brom, to giving a thrashing to Norwich City, to a home draw against Stoke City. It’s been that type of season for the Reds so far, you never really know what you’re going to get every week these days.
First thing I would just like to talk about would be the injuries. Liverpool have been hit fairly hard by the International break – to the extent that there could be a crisis at Liverpool once the Premier League returns. Pepe Reina has a hamstring problem which is likely to rule him out for this game (although I think that Jones/Doni should definitely be given opportunities given Pepe Reina’s form of late). Additionally, Fabio Borini has come back crocked, with an injury that will keep him on the sidelines for roughly 6 months.
On the bright side, a few had good performances, including Luis Suarez, who comes back with a free kick goal. Steven Gerrard came back unscathed but despite his assist to Rooney, he had a fairly quiet game (Poland). Yesil scored yet again for the German youth side, and you would definitely think he would be a shoe in to be on the subs bench for the game against Reading.
Problems Everywhere
We have the doubt in goal, but in defence we see a similar dilemma. With Martin Kelly out for the long term and Jose Enrique having persistent injury problems, it looks likely that Andre Wisdom will retain his spot at rightback despite having a shoulder injury himself.
The midfield will do just fine, with Nuri Sahin, Steven Gerrard and Joe Allen all relatively fresh following the international break. Luis Suarez will have it all to do for himself, as Fabio Borini’s injury makes him the only recognized striker in the Liverpool FC squad.
Suso is likely to get another opportunity to shine after signing a new long term contract with Liverpool, whilst Raheem Sterling is likely to start on the opposite flank thanks to a promising start to the season.
Reading’s Strengths
What Liverpool must beware of is Reading’s play from the wings, as Johnson and Wisdom are likely to have a busy afternoon, with Kebe and McAnuff providing the ammunition for Reading’s goals this season. Pogrebnyak is also a potent attacking spearhead, so Skrtel and Agger must try to find ways to stop the physical striker.
