Scouting the Doubles – Gameweek 34 – Liverpool

Liverpool look to bounce back from their FA Cup semi-final defeat to Aston Villa as they undertake back-to-back road matches in their Gameweek 34 double. The Reds will need to overcome a resurgent West Bromwich Albion side and a Hull City outfit fighting for survival if in their quest to put pressure on fourth-placed Manchester City.

The Prospects

First up on the agenda for Brendan Rodgers’ men is a visit to The Hawthorns. Coming off the back of an accomplished 2-0 away win over high-flying Crystal Palace, Tony Pulis’ have arrested a run of three successive losses, though it’s worth noting that their rearguard has been breached on seven occasions in their last two home matches, playing into the hands of Fantasy managers eyeing up the Reds’ attacking contingent for the double.

Furthermore, the West Midlanders’ forward line has struggled for form of late; strike duo Saido Berahino and Brown Ideye have combined for just five goals in as many Gameweeks – although the latter was only fit enough for a bench role at Selhurst Park by virtue of a knee complaint.

Liverpool lock horns with the Tigers four days later, with Steve Bruce’s troops searching for their first win in seven encounters. The Yorkshire club have conceded eight goals in their last three fixtures and netted just four in their previous six, offering encouragement that Liverpool’s defence can record a shut-out during their visit.

In spite of their recent travails, only league leaders Chelsea have bested Hull at the KC Stadium in their previous four home ties – and even then they gave a strong account of themselves, restricting the Blues to three shots on target and fashioning 19 shots at goal themselves. Considering Hull have been on the road for four of the last six Gameweeks – negatively skewing their form sheet – Liverpool would do well not to underestimate the wounded Tigers.

Likely Lads

Raheem Sterling (8.5) leads the Merseysiders with regards to points per game (4.9) and total score (147) accumulated over the season. Daniel Sturridge’s limited pitch time in the last two Gameweeks has forced the Jamaica-born winger to ramp up his attacking returns, as evidenced by his goal and assist across those fixtures. Much may depend on Brendan Rodgers’ tactics, though, if Sturridge remains sidelined – Sterling was fielded on the left of a 4-3-3 against Newcastle in the previous Gameweek before being utilised as the lone striker in a 3-4-2-1 against Villa in the cup yesterday.

With a points per game average (4.2) that surpasses any of Liverpool’s defensive options, Simon Mignolet (5.3) offers the most consistent route into their rearguard. The Belgian shot-stopper has accrued bonus save points in three of this previous four outings and will fancy his chances of recording shut-outs in three (QPR, CRY, sto) of the Reds’ remaining four fixtures beyond the double.

Alongside the injured Mamadou Sakho, the 5.9-priced Martin Skrtel boasts the best points per game average (4.1) of any Reds defender. Although he’s tallied a solitary strike this campaign, the Slovakian international’s seven-goal haul last term demonstrates his clear aerial ability, whilst his claim for inclusion is strengthened by the fact that Liverpool have registered seven clean sheets in Skrtel’s last ten appearances. His ability to earn bonus points in also worth considering – Skrtel’s total of 22 is greater than any defender so far this season.

Jordan Henderson (6.7) is not only the cheapest viable route into Liverpool’s midfield but also the form player, having delivered attacking returns in five of his last six starts. The former Sunderland has scored three goals from open play during that period while also bagging a fourth from a spot-kick. However, with Lucas Leiva rule out for a fortnight due to a thigh injury, there’s a possibility that Steven Gerrard could be recalled to the starting line-up and placed on set-piece duties- a scenario that would dampen Henderson’s potential.

Philippe Coutinho (7.8) hasn’t netted in five league outings yet underlined his goalscoring potential with the opener in Liverpool’s FA Cup loss to the Villains – his second strike in the last three over all competitions. In terms of goal attempts in his last league six matches, Coutinho leads Sterling by 21 attempts to 12 – given that only two midfielders have managed more over their respective previous six, the Brazilian has been a little unlucky only to score once in that run.

Cheeky Punts

Alberto Moreno (5.3), who’s started Liverpool’s last 14 league ties, represents an enticing alternative to the pricier Skrtel. The Spanish left-back hasn’t scored since Gameweek 19, yet his marauding wing play gives rise to the occasional goalscoring opportunity (five goals in last six appearances) – in fact, his two-goal haul this campaign betters the efforts of any other Liverpool defender.

Daniel Sturridge (11.1) couldn’t recover from a hip knock in time to face Villa but is still in with a chance of being passed fit for the Baggies head-to-head. Due to concerns over his injury, though, it seems very unlikely that the England international will start both matches in the double, yet he did net in a 23-minute cameo against West Ham United on his initial return from a lengthy lay-off and could still deliver in spite of limited pitch time. With the likes of Sergio Aguero in form for City, though, it remains to be seen whether many will be prepared to run the risk with Sturridge in the premium bracket, with his minutes likely to be managed over the run-in.

Steven Gerrard (8.5) has emerged as surprise leftfield choice in the wake of Lucas’ latest setback. The Reds legend hasn’t started since their 3-2 win over Spurs in Gameweek 25 due to injury and suspension but was drafted into the midfield for Liverpool’s Wembley showdown. Gerrard’s set-piece prowess is worthy of of consideration but a lack of security of starts –  throughout and beyond the double –  render him a risky differential.

If you’re struggling for budget, Jordon Ibe could be a real punt. Priced at just 4.3, the attack-minded wide man has started each of the last four league matches he has been available for and only missed out against Villa as he was cup-tied. Fielded on the right of a front three against Newcastle, his versatility offers an alternative at right wing-back should Rodgers retain yesterday’s 3-4-2-1 system.