Rafa Benitez has fantasy managers wringing their hands after hinting strongly that he’ll rest players in this weekend’s clash with Newcastle. Liverpool face Inter in the crucial Champions League second leg on Tuesday.
Mascherano is already out of the game with a dead leg, while Finnan is also absent with a hamstring injury. There will be at least one forced change then, but Rafa made it clear that he is considering further changes. Speaking to Liverpool’s official site, Rafa is quoted as saying that it is “almost impossible” that he will leave his lineup intact for the weekend.
“You need to check because the players cannot play two or three games in a few days and be fit,” remarked the Liverpool boss.
“It’s almost impossible now because of the pace of the game. So, we’ll see. Now we need to change Mascherano because he is injured, and it’s impossible to pick the same team for three or four games.”
Gerrard and Torres are prime candidates for a rest given the importance of Tuesday’s game. With thousands of fantasy managers buying in the pair for the double fixtures gameweek just gone, this is a major concern.
One factor to consider is that Mascherano’s injury is likely to see Lucas get a start in midfield, which limits Rafa’s options and could protect Gerrard. Babel and Kuyt meanwhile are certainly at risk, with Benayoun and Pennant likely to get their chance.
As for Torres – it’s such a difficult call. Given his form, it’s hard to imagine that Rafa could risk removing him from his lineup with fourth place still such a priority. My bet is that he’ll start, with Benitez looking for an early lead and the opportunity to remove the striker as early as possible.
Elsewhere, Carragher looks safe having missed a recent game due to suspension. Hyypia and Skrtel do give Rafa options though and with plenty of defending to do in Milan, Rafa could consider resting his key defender.
It’s clear then that owners of Liverpool players go into the weekend with no assurances. That’s likely to see FPL managers look elsewhere for their choice of Captain, while some may even look at buying in Chelsea players a week before their double gameweek as replacements for the threatened Liverpool players.
That strategy comes with its own risks however, with Chelsea playing their FA Cup tie at Barnsley first this weekend, before facing Derby in their Premiership match next Wednesday. There is also more than a little doubt as to Grant’s likely lineup for that game with Lampard, Ballack, Drogba and Anelka all far from assured of starts against the bottom club.