Liverpool fans will divert their attention to the FA Cup following shocking news of their inspirational captain Steven Gerrard announcing that he will leave the club on a free when his contract expires this summer.
The Englishman has spent 26 long years at the club but will don different colours from next season with the MLS his most likely destination. Despite the fact that Liverpool fans will be eager to see their beloved captain on the pitch as much as possible from now till the end of the season. manager Brendan Rodgers has claimed that he is under no pressure to play Gerrard week in week out.
“I'll always pick what I think is the best team for the games,” the Liverpool boss told reporters.
“Every football player is the same - they want to play every minute of every game, and Steven is no different. He understands where it's at and the number of games we've been playing, and that there might be times that he has to come out of the team.
“There is no change to that - I'll remain clear on picking the team based on trying to get the best physicality out of the team.”
After a disappointing start to the season, Liverpool have seemingly got their season back on track and have lost just once in 11 matches in all competitions. However they will be disappointed with the result last time out against Leicester when they surrendered a two goal lead with the match ending in a draw. Steven Gerrard struck twice from the spot, however his penalties were cancelled out by two goals in two minutes from David Nugent and Jeffrey Schlupp.
Their counterparts Wimbledon have been very impressive as of late having managed win in four of their last five matches. They were against Exeter City last time out a match they won by a 4-1 score line.
Former Southampton defender Dejan Lovren could return to the side for the FA Cup match whereas Slovakian international Martin Skrtel will be available for selection after serving suspension. Mario Balotelli who was not part of the squad which hosted Leicester will be hoping to play some part during Monday's game.
Wimbledon on the other hand will welcome back Sammy Moore to the squad whereas lifelong Liverpool supporter and Wimbledon striker Adebayo Akinfenwa is also expected to start.
Wimbledon vs Liverpool team sheets
Wimbledon's Starting XI: Beasant (c), Goodyear, Young, Thorn, Phelan, Sanchez, Jones, Cork, Wise, Gibson, Fashanu.
Liverpool's Starting XI: Mignolet, Manquillo, Sakho, Skrtel, Can, Markovic, Lucas, Henderson, Gerrard, Coutinho, Lambert.
Wimbledon's Subs: Check back soon!
Liverpool's Subs: Ward, Enrique, Toure, Moreno, Borini, Balotelli, Williams.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
AFC Wimbledon 1 - 2 Liverpool
January 5, 2015 2:55pmCherry Red Records Fans' Stadium (Kingston upon Thames, Surrey)This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Follow the game on-the-go
Download our iOS and Android apps to follow soccer on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.
