Even though 16 players made the journey to Helsinki, the manager should still be able to field a strong team on Sunday.
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Brendan Rodgers says that he has been impressed by Christian Benteke since the Belgian’s arrival at Anfield.
“They [HJK] are in the process of looking to qualify for the Champions League, they are the top club in Finland, they have got some good players and it was always going to be a good test for us”, he said.
“We all have to learn from each match we play and take away something positive” .
Coutinho was used in an advanced midfield role, but his side failed to create much as they trundled up the pitch.
Coutinho, who played 45 minutes for Liverpool U21 last weekend is set to make his first first-team appearance of the summer. “I really do”, said Rodgers.
Benteke is yet to make his debut for the Merseyside club and was not named in the Liverpool squad that travelled to Helsinki to face HJK on Saturday, 1 August. Tonight [Saturday] was about getting as many minutes as we could for him.
Rodgers labelled his “influence” on the game as “outstanding” due to the fact that he adds “real fluency” to their attacking line-up.
“Christian is another very strong player, he works very hard”.
Ings and Benteke will also compete with Divock Origi, who found the back of the net for the second time in Scandinavia, whilst Daniel Sturridge is expected to return from injury before Christmas.
Pulis is quoted in the Birmingham Mail, saying: “Rickie is available”.
One key factor will be how quickly Firmino settles at Anfield because when on form the Brazilian global is deadly in front of goal.
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“It was another good workout for us in the last of our pre-season games overseas”. While he is in no way a direct replacement, he will bring some authority to a side which lacked leaders in the absence of Gerrard.
