Brendan Rodgers must make big chances following hapless defeat to Aston Villa…
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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers deployed a 4-3-3 formation at home to Aston Villa yesterday, and his side performed dreadfully, deservedly losing 0-1 to Paul Lambert’s energetic outfit.
As a result, he should instead revert to the diamond formation he used at White Hart Lane a fortnight ago, when his side thrashed Tottenham 0-3, playing an impressive brand of counter attacking football.
Liverpool’s best player on that day was Raheem Sterling, and the teenage phenomenon will surely be recalled for the Champions League tie with Ludogorets.
Using the diamond formation, here’s how the Reds should lineup to put the Aston Villa nightmare to bed.
GK) Simon Mignolet
The Reds have little choice but to start the Belgian in goal.
DR) Javier Manquillo
With Glen Johnson and Jon Flanagan out, the young Spaniard must improve at right-back.
DC) Dejan Lovren
With Martin Skrtel injured, Lovren will play alongside Mamadou Sakho at the back again.
DC) Mamadou Sakho
The Frenchman is aerially impressive, but he needs to distribute the ball much faster.
DL) Alberto Moreno
Moreno provides a consistent attacking presence up the left flank, but he needs to step up defensively.
DMC) Steven Gerrard
Gerrard controls the tempo from the base of midfield – where he can use his array of passing to best effect.
MC) Jordan Henderson
Henderson struggled in the 4-3-3, as he had to sit deeper rather use his energy to bomb forward. He’s more effective in a diamond, on the right of Gerrard.
MC) Coutinho
Coutinho should play to the left of Gerrard in the diamond. He can press the opposition in this position, and deserves the spot more than Adam Lallana who was poor on debut.
AMC) Raheem Sterling
Sterling is Liverpool’s best player. The teenager needs to be given the pivotal no.10 role his talents deserve.
FC) Rickie Lambert
The advantage of this formation is that Balotelli will not be stranded up top on his own. He played better on debut alongside Daniel Sturridge, and Rickie Lambert should therefore be given his first start.
FC) Mario Balotelli
With Sturridge out, Balotelli needs to step up. Reds fans will be desperate for him to bag his first goal against Ludogorets.
