Should Ibe start against Liverpool?

There will be a big expectation of Liverpool fans to see Jordan Ibe run out against their side on Sunday at Dean Court. They may hope for that and yet they could be disappointed if he is left on the bench as I half expect.

Jordan Ibe was able to play against Arsenal, after coming off the bench to replace Junior Stanislas, but his chances of starting have diminished with the availability of Jack Wilshere again. The competition for the left midfield role has increased greatly with Pugh, King, Fraser, Gradel and Grabban all able to give Ibe a problem. 

Jordan Ibe started from the bench last match.

While Ibe would be keen to get a point across to his old team in that they should not have let him go, Eddie Howe may well think that the Liverpool defenders would know and understand what Jordan likes to do when he is on the ball and to play him might not be an advantage for AFCB. In essence Jordan might find it hard to play his normal game. The only way Eddie will know how Jordan is feeling about such a game is to talk to him though and find out how enthusiastic he is and what the young player is capable this season. If Jordan has a mature head and realises the challenge he faces and is eager to impress that will have to be considered.

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I personally would hold Jordan back and let the game unfold before giving him a chance. Of course that would mean he would get a reception that could be difficult when he came on, but the game is at home and not at Anfield so I would not expect that to disturb him. It would be fantastic if he could come on and get the winning goal though. You can imagine the headlines would be great for him and really give him a boost, and he could probably do with a bit of good fortune so I have my fingers crossed for him.