Liverpool without five key stars for Europa League clash, Coutinho available

Liverpool’s pressing game failed, and they didn’t use the ball effectively on the occasions when they did win it back. The No. 9 doesn’t have to defend the whole pitch, it is to close spaces.

Any nascent title talk on Anfield has been well and truly spiked by Sunday’s abysmal 2-0 defeat at Newcastle United, a result and performance that seemed to baffle even coach Jurgen Klopp.

Klopp has also seen the benefit of fielding Roberto Firmino as a false No. 9, but he conceded ahead of the Sion clash that Sturridge’s fitness troubles had increased scrutiny of his other options up front.

With the transfer window fast approaching, ESPN FC’s Craig Burley and Dan Thomas pontificate about the latest rumours.

One possible reason for such an uninspiring showing on Tyneside was the absence of Coutinho, who has been at the centre of Liverpool’s creative network, and Lucio likes what he sees from his fellow countryman, and tipped his former Inter Milan team-mate for the very top, crediting himself for helping the 23-year-old in his early career.

The ESPN FC panel answer your Twitter questions on if Mourinho will be fired, Liverpool as title contenders and more.

Liverpool’s 13 outings against Swiss sides have ended W6 D5 L2 (W3 D1 L2 in Switzerland).

But Ibe is at his best when played in an advanced midfield role and, remarkably, after another summer of big spending, he’s the only orthodox wide player the Reds have in their squad.

“As a young player you can improve on everything”.

“We have a game on Sunday, they have a game on Sunday, so there’s no difference”.

The Belgian global scored a hat trick in the clubs 6-1 win at Southampton eight days ago, and with Sturridge sidelined again with another hamstring injury, Origi is hoping to take any chance he can get to prove he does have the quality to be Liverpool’s leading forward for the months to come. While we’ve struggled to open up teams that are primarily looking to defend, the hosts won’t be afforded that luxury if they really want to go through to the next round and they’ll have to show some attacking impetus.