Liverpool predicted XI vs Sevilla: Europa League final

By Tom Bogert | May 16, 2016

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 08: Joe Allen of Liverpool (2R) celebrates with his team mates after scoring his side's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Watford at Anfield on May 8, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /

12 of 12

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 05: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool celebrates victory during the UEFA Europa League Semi Final second leg match between Liverpool and Villarreal CF at Anfield on May 05, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) /

ST Daniel Sturridge

Despite all the optimism that’s been flowing here, because there’s absolutely no reason to be pessimistic ahead of a cup final, I fear what might have happened to Sturridge’s future in red had Origi not gotten hurt.

Klopp had been selecting Origi ahead of Sturridge on merit and form. If Origi had continued firing the way he was, who would Klopp had dropped to get Sturridge in the starting XI for this match? Answer: no one.

If a player of Sturridge’s caliber, and someone who wasn’t in bad form either, had been starting on bench for a cup final, do you think he’d still be at Liverpool next season? I’m not so sure. And that would’ve been a blow for Liverpool.

But, hey. We’re here now. He’s got to be dead certain to start. Hopefully he scores, hopefully the mighty Reds go marching on and Sturridge stays at Liverpool for years to come.

How’s that for optimism, eh?

Home/Liverpool FC News