(H) Swansea - Pre Match Thoughts

                                               League Cup

                                        Wednesday 31st October 2012
                                                   Anfield

                                      Liverpool VS Swansea

Though the League Cup may be meaningless to a lot of people tonight certainly is not to me. Not only is it Brendan Rodgers first encounter with his former employers but it's my first trip to Anfield of the season. There's something to be said about going to the game that captures the imagination far more than watching it on TV or even worse; having to make do with text updates. I'll be there, I'll be in full voice and I'm anticipating a very good game of football.

While this evening is not particularly high up on the priority list of either manager, the fact of the matter is that it will be a clash of two teams - regardless of personnel - who want to play the game in the right way. So few visiting teams come to Anfield and do anything other than put everyone behind the ball and hope for the best which makes you appreciate the ones that do even more. Knowing the game has to be decided tonight plays into that even more for there will be no sitting back and hoping for a replay.

 Selection dilemmas are nothing new for Liverpool managers. Brendan Rodgers hasn't been in the job all that long and already has had to juggle his squad over the last few weeks. After tough games against Anzhi and Everton, this will almost certainly be the chance we need to give the majority of the players involved a much needed break. No Gerrard or Suarez. Likewise Glen Johnson, who'll still need a little time to recover. Of those you would call definite first teamers, I would have Pepe Reina in, provided he's fit. No pressure and every chance of building some much needed confidence.

For all those that are given the chance to put their feet up, it represents an opportunity for someone else to make their mark in the team. Samed Yesil is someone I'm really looking forward to seeing, not least of all because we could do with having another potential attacking threat. Likewise Jack Robinson. In the absence of Glen Johnson, Robinson has a chance to really stake a claim tonight. All the talent in the world and a perfect fit for the way we want to play, another strong showing in the League Cup could persuade Rodgers to give him a chance in the league.

 Following the "success" of playing Stewart Downing at left back and his cameo on Sunday there is a team being mooted tonight that features Jordan Henderson at right back. I think it's bold, if a little harsh on Henderson who I think is very capable in the centre as opposed to Downing who is very limited. That being said, right now it's much easier for Jordan to force his way into the team this way than through a more standard position. It's not ideal, but these are the games in which experimentation like this can be tried out. Hopefully it comes off.

At this point, there's very little I've not seen from Liverpool. That's exactly what tonight's game represents. The kids have come in and performed above all expectations as of late, although it's been a far from smooth ride with West Brom and Young Boys providing a stern challenge. Tonight is a game that we could dominate and while I'm hoping that's the case, all I want to see is a decent game of football. Winning this would see us through to the quarter finals. It's at this point last year I really started to believe we could win it. Who's to say we can't do it again?