With all the speculation mounting as to whether or not Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers can remain in charge at Anfield, the 42-year-old Northern Irishman has gone against all advice and is ready to give the clubs fringe player’s game time in tonight’s Europa League clash with Swiss side FC Sion.
Liverpool only just managed to draw against Bordeaux their opening game in the competition thanks to an Adam Lallana goal, before the French Ligue 1 side managed to grab a late equalizer.
Tonight we could see both Pedro Chirivella and Jordan Rossiter get the start while Connor Randall, Cameron Brannagan and Daniel Cleary are likely to be on the substitute’s bench.
The Liverpool boss is also expected to allow several squad players including Kolo Toure and Belgium striker Divock Origi some game time.
Rodgers said: “Our approach to this game is how it’s been in the competition.
“This is an opportunity for young players and an opportunity for players on the fringe of the team that aren’t getting so many games.
“But it’s also going to require players that have been playing. Ultimately for us the aim is to win the game.
“We recognise that our home games in this competition are very important and we enter into it with that mindset.
“Then we can concentrate on the game on Sunday.”
Meanwhile Sky Sports football pundit Paul Merson thinks that Liverpool should be going all out to try and win the competition as it is probably their best chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
“I think they do [have a better chance of qualifying through the Europa League than the Premier League],” said Merson.
“I think at the moment – I know they beat Aston Villa – but their Premier League form is not great and they’ve got a massive game against Everton.
“The longer you stay in this competition, the better chance you’ve got. It gives you something to fall back on – it’s no good getting to February and being 12 points behind fourth and you’re out of this cup.
“If you’re still in it, you can start resting players in the Premier League and going for the Europa [League].”
