Sturridge capture to result in upturn in Liverpool’s striking fortunes

Liverpool have completed the signing of Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea in a £12m deal, stating that the 23-year-old has signed a ‘long-term’ contract on Merseyside.

Fitness permitting, the England international could go straight into the squad for his new club’s FA Cup clash with Mansfield at the weekend, which they’re obviously massive favourites to win at 2/9, with or without their latest acquisition.

Brendan Rodgers courted Sturridge in the summer following the departure of Andy Carroll and their failed bid to land Clint Dempsey, but could not convince then Blues’ manager Roberto Di Matteo to part with him.

Demba Ba’s imminent arrival at Stamford Bridge, however, has catered for a change in stance and Sturridge can now look forward to forming one of most exciting three-pronged attacks in the Premier League with Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling.

The last time the former Manchester City youngster made a January switch the team that snared his services profited immediately on the pitch. Bolton were the fortunate recipients two years back where, in just 12 Premier League appearances, he bagged an impressive eight goals.

This was playing as a central striker, however, and it does not seem likely that his arrival is going to see Suarez, the lynchpin of the current Reds team, shunted off to the wing to make room.

However, working alongside the Uruguayan, Sturridge is likely to find himself in plenty of goalscoring opportunities and, wherever he starts, the 5/6 on offer with Ladbrokes for him to net six times or more before the season is out is well worth a punt.

The same price is available for those who fancy his total goals tally to fall below this total, but only a continuation of his injury-hampered campaign on Merseyside will surely prevent this happening.

When given a prominent first team role, Sturridge has always delivered the goods. He proved this first at Bolton, then again for Team GB at the Olympics and, with his new boss having splashed out what remained of the transfer kitty on him, he is certain to play a key role for the Anfield club for the remainder of this season and many more in the future.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date