Dalglish’s Wembley dilemma

Tuesday, 21/02/2012

by Lewis Cox, Shoot's Liverpool blogger

It was ‘Six of the best’ at Anfield on Sunday evening as a Liverpool side – infamous for lacking in goals this term – ran riot against poor Brighton & Hove Albion.

With Boss Kenny Dalglish suggesting his team selection for this Sunday’s League Cup Final against Cardiff could well be based on the performance against The Seasiders, he has presented himself with some awkward – but not unwanted – headaches.

Dalglish had the fortune of being able to rest Daniel Agger and Craig Bellamy in last weekend’s FA Cup 5th round victory, but it will be the latter that throws the considerable ‘spanner’ in the Liverpool Legend’s first XI. 

Welshman Bellamy has been a revelation on Merseyside this year after arriving on a free transfer. Sparkling where others have failed – even at the instantly forgettable Reebock Stadium showing he shone.

It would take a very brave – or perhaps insane – man to leave him out of any English side’s attacking line-up, but where will that leave Liverpool’s remaining offensive options?

Andy Carroll has also handed his manager a further dilemma with fine recent performances – perhaps after leaving the big Geordie out of the XI that fell at Old Trafford two weeks ago suggests that Carroll’s rotating time is over. 

Surely a major cup final is the biggest opportunity to adhere a No.9 to his supporters? Andy Carroll is now “At home” in Liverpool – there won’t be a better chance to prove it.

Of course the keeper and back four practically pick themselves at Anfield of late, Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger have been magnificent together this year and have tightened that leaking back door that was ever so present in the Hodgson era. 

It was however, a delight to see Jamie Carragher notch up his 210th cup appearance for his beloved Reds – climbing level with all-time appearance record holder Ian Callaghan.

A remarkable servant, in times when loyalty is thrown around all too easily in our sport, Carra epitomises it.

The midfield has been an issue all season, losing Gerrard, losing Lucas, who plays out wide? Stewart Downing put in his best Liverpool showing to date against Brighton and is now staking a strong claim to be included at Wembley.

Dalglish may incorporate Jay Spearing to guard Liverpool’s backline against Cardiff, unlikely though – as Charlie Adam can count himself very unlucky if he’s forced to sit this one out under the famous arch.

Jordan Henderson’s career hasn’t started fantastically, he will go head-to-head with Dirk Kuyt for the right-sided spot.  he Dutchman may have lost a yard in pace, but has proved over the years he’s a big game player, and if anyone’s going to pop up with a tap-in, he’ll be there.

It’s a huge week for Liverpool Football Club – first final in five years, all accounts of wrong-doings and alleged racism put to bed.

Time to dust out that trophy cabinet and create a space, it’s been far too long… Kenny’s Reds are back where they belong.

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