Football
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Liverpool's Simon Mignolet set to remain on the bench for Arsenal game

LIVERPOOL -- Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has no plans to recall Simon Mignolet following criticism of the decision to drop him from Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard.

Mignolet, who had been a Premier League ever-present since his nine million-pound move from Sunderland in June 2013, was replaced by Brad Jones for Sunday's 3-0 defeat at Manchester United.

The Belgium international had faced criticism for a series of poor performances, and Rodgers said at the time that he had been dropped "indefinitely" to allow him to regain his form "out of the firing line."

Howard questioned that decision on Thursday, expressing concern that it could destroy Mignolet's confidence.

But Rodgers took only two words at a news conference on Friday to confirm that Jones, who also played in Wednesday's 3-1 Capital One Cup quarterfinal win at Bournemouth, will keep his place for Sunday's Premier League match against Arsenal at Anfield.

Asked if he had reconsidered the goalkeeping situation, the Reds boss replied: "No change."

It is not the first time in recent weeks that Rodgers' team selection has attracted major attention.

On Nov. 29, he dropped Steven Gerrard to the bench for a 1-0 home win over Stoke, stating a desire to keep his captain fresh for a league match at Leicester three days later.

At the time, he reflected on the frustrations a manager faces when trying to juggle his squad, saying on Dec. 4: "Whatever you do as a manager, you can't win. If you rest someone, are you rotating them? If you rotate, is he dropped? If he's dropped, he's left out. I'll always pick the team I think will win the game."

One of the Arsenal players Jones must try to keep out on Sunday is Alexis Sanchez, who turned down a summer approach from Liverpool to instead move to North London from Barcelona for 35 million pounds.

Rodgers said of Alexis: "All I know is that he's a world-class player. He was identified as someone to come in who'd be perfect for us. He's a brilliant player, of outstanding quality and an even bigger work-rate. We know he'll be a threat at the weekend."

Liverpool go into the weekend lying 11th in the Premier League and struggling for form, while Arsenal are five points ahead in sixth position as they attempt to iron out their own inconsistencies.

Arsene Wenger's side responded to a 3-2 defeat at Stoke with 4-1 victories over Galatasaray and Newcastle to suggest they are back on track, and Rodgers is wary of Sunday's opponents.

Asked if he thought the Gunners were a particular threat away from home, Rodgers said: "They did OK at home last week as well, when they beat Newcastle 4-1 and played really well. But we'll look to focus on our game. They've got outstanding players, but the focus will be on ourselves, and looking to bring our game to an important match."

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