The Liverpool starting XI to take on Real Madrid is in and, as if they weren't already facing an uphill battle, Brendan Rodgers has decided upon a strangely depleted team. It had already been reported that Steven Gerrard would be sitting out the game at the Bernabeu but the fact that he is joined by Dejan Lovren, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho and Mario Balotelli is certainly an surprise.
Liverpool starting XI to face Real Madrid;
Confirmed: #LFC’s starting XI and substitutes v Real Madrid pic.twitter.com/tkQ4umIks8
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 4, 2014
Mignolet; Manquillo, Toure, Skrtel, Moreno; Can, Lucas, Allen; Markovic, Lallana; Borini A case can be made for Lovren and Balotelli to be dropped but it's hard to make a rationale case for the other players except to say that Rodgers has chosen to rest over half his first choice team against possibly the best team in the world. Conversely, Real have named a fairly decent starting XI.
¡Esta es la alineación del partido ante el Liverpool! #RealMadridvsLIV #HalaMadrid #RMLive pic.twitter.com/A59ppECNbe
— Real Madrid C. F. (@realmadrid) November 4, 2014
Unsurprisingly, there has been quite a bit of debate around Rodgers' decision. You fear for his reputation if this turns into a 5-0 or 6-0 rout.
Brendan Rodgers resting half the team? Tune in later for Real Madrid v Liverpool in the Capital One Cup.
— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) November 4, 2014
Miracles can happen but Brendan Rodgers is gambling big-time in Madrid. — Henry Winter (@henrywinter) November 4, 2014
@SachinNakrani Resting players from the Champions League to try and ensure qualification for the Champions League..
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) November 4, 2014
Liverpool's team news makes its way Real Madrid's dressing room: http://t.co/se2svNAttg
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) November 4, 2014
Rodgers has left out Henderson, Sterling, Balotelli, Gerrard and Coutinho at Real Madrid. He has, though, thrown in a white towel.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 4, 2014
rodgers to rest half the team against real madrid? i remember rafael benitez getting slaughtered for resting fernando torres against wigan.
— Ken Early (@kenearlys) November 4, 2014
Mick McCarthy did not get fined so that Brendan Rodgers could make this many changes at the Bernabeu.
— Samuel Marsden (@samuelmarsden) November 4, 2014
A team selection based on fear and a belief that defeat is inevitable. The new Liverpool way.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) November 4, 2014
LFC & Rodgers may be being smart but that have no respect for their football fans that travelled to watch. Embarrassing #LFC
— Danny (@realdealdanny) November 4, 2014
Only way Rodgers can defend this decision is by beating Chelsea. If anything, jumps lumps even more pressure onto team on Saturday
— Kieran Canning (@KieranCanning) November 4, 2014
