Rodgers defends Liverpool squad for Bordeaux

It may seem contrary to indications but Brendan Rodgers has defended his squad selection ahead of the match in Bordeaux tonight, claiming that he is taking the Europa League seriously and reckons he’s picked a team to win tonight.

Speaking ahead of the game, Rodgers defended his decision to leave first team stalwarts such as Martin Skrtel, James Milner, Lucas Leiva and Christian Benteke at home, whilst the likes of Mamadou Sakho and Kolo Toure look likely to get their first starts of the season.

Ahead of the game, via the Liverpool Echo, Rodgers said: “My approach is the same as the first season when I came in when we played players who were needing games, but some young players as well.

“We did it back then when we were first in the Europa League and we finished top of the group and qualified. That’s the objective again.

“I’ll pick a team to win the game. We have a lot of games coming up over the next couple of months and I have every confidence that every team I put out for every game is capable of winning.”

It was often remarked, prior to the new season, that – on paper, at least – Liverpool had two very capable looking teams that could be fielded at any one time but with the squad currently looking bereft of confidence it may not be the best time to make such wholesale changes and tweaks.

Three players almost certain to start are Philippe Coutinho, Mamadou Sakho and Divock Origi. But it will be interesting to see who gets a rare chance against Bordeaux with the likes of Toure in the squad, whilst youngster Jordan Rossiter could get another crack at first team action.

What are your predictions for the match, can a much-changed Liverpool side make short work of Bordeaux? Let us know how confident you are below.