|
|
With Andy Carroll struggling and Kenny Dalglish facing a midfield crisis, what is the Liverpool team that should face QPR?
Key players on the treatment table have enabled places in the Anfield midfield to become available – which players should stake their claim?
9 Dec 2011 07:25:00
DEBATE
A mixture of injuries and dazzling individual form has given Kenny Dalglish a number of selection problems heading into Liverpool's Premier League clash against QPR.
With Steven Gerrard still sidelined with an ankle infection, Lucas out for the remainder of the season after injuring the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and the Brazilian's understudy Jay Spearing serving a three-game suspension after being sent off against Fulham, places in midfield at Anfield are readily available ahead of the visit from Neil Warnock's charges.
But who are the players that can ensure Liverpool bounce back from their defeat at Craven Cottage? Goal.com takes a look at how Dalglish could set out his stall against QPR.
Amar Singh | UK Deputy Editor
Liverpool's defence have not been performing badly at all. Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger are both playing well enough to keep Jamie Carragher out of the side whilst both full-backs are in good form - particularly Jose Enrique, who is quickly becoming a Kop favourite.
With Lucas and Gerrard both injured and Spearing suspended, Liverpool's midfield lacks bite. Bringing in the experience of Maxi Rodriguez, who has played in the centre for club and country before, and sticking with Jordan Henderson, who is beginning to find his feet as a Liverpool player, will help Charlie Adam, whose distribution is very important to this current side.
Jonjo Shelvey's recall from Blackpool gives Dalglish more options, but he is too attack-minded to be considered as a like-for-like replacement for the selfless and tenacious Lucas.
This three-man midfield might be a little narrow against QPR, who will come prepared to defend in numbers, but this is mitigated by the fact that Glen Johnson and Enrique are both able to play across the full lengths of their respective flanks, ensuring Liverpool have the necessary width.
Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll are simply not delivering the goods at the moment so only make it onto the bench. With pressure growing on the talismanic Luis Suarez, who is not getting the rub of the green from referees and faces an FA ban for his gesture towards Fulham's fans, Liverpool must give him the conditions he needs to thrive. Playing the Uruguayan through the middle with Dirk Kuyt, whom he shares an excellent on and off-the-pitch relationship with and Craig Bellamy – whose movement, pace and intelligence can trouble any Premier League defence – should get that winning smile back on his face - until the FA slap him with a 20-game ban!
Greg Stobart | Goal.com correspondent
The goalkeeper and back four picks itself at the moment, so Martin Kelly and Jamie Carragher will have to stay on the bench and wait for their chance.
In midfield, the absense of Lucas and Spearing means there is no natural holding player, but that shouldn't be too much of a problem at home against a side like QPR. I would play Adam and Henderson in central midfield, two progressive attacking players who will look to get on the ball and start attacks.
The main problem Liverpool have had at home this season is in breaking down defences. With no player in the squad who will score 20 goals a season, the Reds have been over-reliant on Suarez, who has not scored in the Premier League since the Merseyside derby on October 1.
I think the Uruguayan operates best as a lone striker and his exceptional movement creates space for others - so he needs players supporting him who can produce in the final third. Maxi is an intelligent wide man and offers a considerable goal threat, while I would try Downing on the right side, the position from which he delivered goals and assists for Aston Villa last season. Bellamy, similar to Suarez, can buzz around almost in a free role to pull QPR defenders out of place.
I remain convinced that Liverpool play better without Carroll, but the £35 million man is a useful option off the bench.
Richard Morgan | International Chief Editor
The one real positive that has emerged from Liverpool's recent unbeaten run of form in all competitions, before it was ended at Craven Cottage on Monday night with defeat to Fulham, has been a new-found solidity to the back four that has not been seen since the 2008-09 season under Rafael Benitez. And so in that respect, the Reds’ back line picks itself at the moment, meaning veteran centre-back Carragher remains warming the substitutes’ bench.
However, this is where the selection headache begins for Dalglish, who now has to fill the vacant midfield berth created firstly by the season-ending knee injury sustained by the in-form Lucas, and now by the three-match suspension to the Brazil holding midfield player’s replacement, Spearing, following the youngster’s red card down by the Thames on Monday night.
And, due to the continued absence of club captain Gerrard with a mysterious ankle injury, the Scot is fairly restricted in his options as to who should best fill this gaping hole in central midfield and partner Adam, starting against QPR at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
One player who has been showing signs of coming to grips with his big-money move to Merseyside of late is England under-21 player Henderson, and perhaps playing him in his more favoured central midfield role will help to continue this upturn in fortunes.
Ahead of Adam and Henderson, who will sit further back, both protecting the back four as well as starting attacks from deep-lying positions in their own half, will be stationed Maxi on the left flank, with Kuyt on the right wing, with both players instructed to get chalk on their boots and offer Liverpool the sort of width that stretches opposition full-backs, while also creating more room in the middle of the park for the likes of Henderson, Adam and Bellamy, playing in the ‘hole’, to exploit.
Meanwhile, up front the one thing Dalglish must resist like the plague is to play Carroll, who slows the tempo of Liverpool’s passing down to a halt, while also encouraging the defence to lump aimless long balls up towards his giant frame from back to front, a tactic that not only does not suit the team’s style of play, but is also a sure-fire way of losing possession.
So, in place of the pony-tailed front man will be the pace and trickery of Wales international forward Bellamy, dropping off into the space between the opposition defence and midfield in which to link up with Henderson and Adam, and the precision, brilliance and technique of Uruguay striker Suarez, a front man adroit at both holding up the ball with his back to goal as well as being a penalty-box predator if just given the chance.
Rob Stewart | Goal.com correspondent
Dalglish should get on to the League Managers Association to get in touch with Birmingham counterpart Chris Hughton if he wants to get more out of Carroll.
The Scot will know that Hughton brought the best out of Carroll when he was at Newcastle United. He should pick his brains so the big striker does not turn out to be a £35m flop.
If Hughton gives him a few tips and they can crack that then everything else should fall into place and the place to do that is on the training ground where Dalglish can show that he is a great coach as well as a great manager.
Carroll was brilliant up at Newcastle and he showed that he could excel at Liverpool and England as well last season, but now he’s looking bereft of confidence and is an easy target for the critics.
If they can get Carroll sorted out and started getting lots of crosses into the box then the Reds should be fine this weekend even though they are so short of central midfielders. As well as being a good header of the ball, Carroll’s hold-up play is good enough to provide Suarez with plenty of possession.
Wayne Veysey | Chief correspondent
Liverpool's dangerman-in-chief is Suarez and there is 11 months of evidence to prove that the Latin maestro operates best conducting the orchestra alone.
This rules out Carroll, who is no closer to finding the formula to succeed on Merseyside, and, in Gerrard's continued and mysterious absence, Bellamy is the closest man in red to being on the same wavelength as Suarez.
The Welshman was brilliant in the 'hole' in the two victories at Chelsea and should be supplemented on either side by the intelligence of Maxi and the tenacity of Kuyt. Maxi seems to be the absolute last resort for Dalglish but Liverpool desperately need a player whose confidence in front of goal is not rock bottom, and the Argentine should be given a chance to prove that he does not just win games in west London.
A lack of options mean Liverpool have little choice but to bring the improving Henderson inside to team up with Adam, while a personal preference is for fit-again Carragher to lead the back four.
Skrtel and Agger have developed an encourgaing partnership but neither possesses the leadership and battle-hardened nous of the vocal veteran.
So which team would you go for? Vote in our poll, or suggest a completely new line-up using the comments section below.
A mixture of injuries and dazzling individual form has given Kenny Dalglish a number of selection problems heading into Liverpool's Premier League clash against QPR.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
With Steven Gerrard still sidelined with an ankle infection, Lucas out for the remainder of the season after injuring the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and the Brazilian's understudy Jay Spearing serving a three-game suspension after being sent off against Fulham, places in midfield at Anfield are readily available ahead of the visit from Neil Warnock's charges.
But who are the players that can ensure Liverpool bounce back from their defeat at Craven Cottage? Goal.com takes a look at how Dalglish could set out his stall against QPR.
|
TEAM 1
|
MAXI IN CENTRAL MIDFIELD |
Amar Singh | UK Deputy EditorLiverpool's defence have not been performing badly at all. Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger are both playing well enough to keep Jamie Carragher out of the side whilst both full-backs are in good form - particularly Jose Enrique, who is quickly becoming a Kop favourite.
With Lucas and Gerrard both injured and Spearing suspended, Liverpool's midfield lacks bite. Bringing in the experience of Maxi Rodriguez, who has played in the centre for club and country before, and sticking with Jordan Henderson, who is beginning to find his feet as a Liverpool player, will help Charlie Adam, whose distribution is very important to this current side.
Jonjo Shelvey's recall from Blackpool gives Dalglish more options, but he is too attack-minded to be considered as a like-for-like replacement for the selfless and tenacious Lucas.
This three-man midfield might be a little narrow against QPR, who will come prepared to defend in numbers, but this is mitigated by the fact that Glen Johnson and Enrique are both able to play across the full lengths of their respective flanks, ensuring Liverpool have the necessary width.
Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll are simply not delivering the goods at the moment so only make it onto the bench. With pressure growing on the talismanic Luis Suarez, who is not getting the rub of the green from referees and faces an FA ban for his gesture towards Fulham's fans, Liverpool must give him the conditions he needs to thrive. Playing the Uruguayan through the middle with Dirk Kuyt, whom he shares an excellent on and off-the-pitch relationship with and Craig Bellamy – whose movement, pace and intelligence can trouble any Premier League defence – should get that winning smile back on his face - until the FA slap him with a 20-game ban!
|
TEAM 2
|
DOWNING ON THE WING |
Greg Stobart | Goal.com correspondentThe goalkeeper and back four picks itself at the moment, so Martin Kelly and Jamie Carragher will have to stay on the bench and wait for their chance.
In midfield, the absense of Lucas and Spearing means there is no natural holding player, but that shouldn't be too much of a problem at home against a side like QPR. I would play Adam and Henderson in central midfield, two progressive attacking players who will look to get on the ball and start attacks.
The main problem Liverpool have had at home this season is in breaking down defences. With no player in the squad who will score 20 goals a season, the Reds have been over-reliant on Suarez, who has not scored in the Premier League since the Merseyside derby on October 1.
I think the Uruguayan operates best as a lone striker and his exceptional movement creates space for others - so he needs players supporting him who can produce in the final third. Maxi is an intelligent wide man and offers a considerable goal threat, while I would try Downing on the right side, the position from which he delivered goals and assists for Aston Villa last season. Bellamy, similar to Suarez, can buzz around almost in a free role to pull QPR defenders out of place.
I remain convinced that Liverpool play better without Carroll, but the £35 million man is a useful option off the bench.
|
TEAM 3
|
KUYT THE WIDE OPTION |
Richard Morgan | International Chief EditorThe one real positive that has emerged from Liverpool's recent unbeaten run of form in all competitions, before it was ended at Craven Cottage on Monday night with defeat to Fulham, has been a new-found solidity to the back four that has not been seen since the 2008-09 season under Rafael Benitez. And so in that respect, the Reds’ back line picks itself at the moment, meaning veteran centre-back Carragher remains warming the substitutes’ bench.
However, this is where the selection headache begins for Dalglish, who now has to fill the vacant midfield berth created firstly by the season-ending knee injury sustained by the in-form Lucas, and now by the three-match suspension to the Brazil holding midfield player’s replacement, Spearing, following the youngster’s red card down by the Thames on Monday night.
And, due to the continued absence of club captain Gerrard with a mysterious ankle injury, the Scot is fairly restricted in his options as to who should best fill this gaping hole in central midfield and partner Adam, starting against QPR at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
One player who has been showing signs of coming to grips with his big-money move to Merseyside of late is England under-21 player Henderson, and perhaps playing him in his more favoured central midfield role will help to continue this upturn in fortunes.
Ahead of Adam and Henderson, who will sit further back, both protecting the back four as well as starting attacks from deep-lying positions in their own half, will be stationed Maxi on the left flank, with Kuyt on the right wing, with both players instructed to get chalk on their boots and offer Liverpool the sort of width that stretches opposition full-backs, while also creating more room in the middle of the park for the likes of Henderson, Adam and Bellamy, playing in the ‘hole’, to exploit.
Meanwhile, up front the one thing Dalglish must resist like the plague is to play Carroll, who slows the tempo of Liverpool’s passing down to a halt, while also encouraging the defence to lump aimless long balls up towards his giant frame from back to front, a tactic that not only does not suit the team’s style of play, but is also a sure-fire way of losing possession.
So, in place of the pony-tailed front man will be the pace and trickery of Wales international forward Bellamy, dropping off into the space between the opposition defence and midfield in which to link up with Henderson and Adam, and the precision, brilliance and technique of Uruguay striker Suarez, a front man adroit at both holding up the ball with his back to goal as well as being a penalty-box predator if just given the chance.
|
TEAM 4
|
SUAREZ BEHIND CARROLL |
Rob Stewart | Goal.com correspondentDalglish should get on to the League Managers Association to get in touch with Birmingham counterpart Chris Hughton if he wants to get more out of Carroll.
The Scot will know that Hughton brought the best out of Carroll when he was at Newcastle United. He should pick his brains so the big striker does not turn out to be a £35m flop.
If Hughton gives him a few tips and they can crack that then everything else should fall into place and the place to do that is on the training ground where Dalglish can show that he is a great coach as well as a great manager.
Carroll was brilliant up at Newcastle and he showed that he could excel at Liverpool and England as well last season, but now he’s looking bereft of confidence and is an easy target for the critics.
If they can get Carroll sorted out and started getting lots of crosses into the box then the Reds should be fine this weekend even though they are so short of central midfielders. As well as being a good header of the ball, Carroll’s hold-up play is good enough to provide Suarez with plenty of possession.
|
TEAM 5
|
CARRAGHER AT THE BACK |
Wayne Veysey | Chief correspondentLiverpool's dangerman-in-chief is Suarez and there is 11 months of evidence to prove that the Latin maestro operates best conducting the orchestra alone.
This rules out Carroll, who is no closer to finding the formula to succeed on Merseyside, and, in Gerrard's continued and mysterious absence, Bellamy is the closest man in red to being on the same wavelength as Suarez.
The Welshman was brilliant in the 'hole' in the two victories at Chelsea and should be supplemented on either side by the intelligence of Maxi and the tenacity of Kuyt. Maxi seems to be the absolute last resort for Dalglish but Liverpool desperately need a player whose confidence in front of goal is not rock bottom, and the Argentine should be given a chance to prove that he does not just win games in west London.
A lack of options mean Liverpool have little choice but to bring the improving Henderson inside to team up with Adam, while a personal preference is for fit-again Carragher to lead the back four.
Skrtel and Agger have developed an encourgaing partnership but neither possesses the leadership and battle-hardened nous of the vocal veteran.
So which team would you go for? Vote in our poll, or suggest a completely new line-up using the comments section below.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Goal.com Poll
Poll runs from 9 Dec 2011 to 10 Dec 2011
Poll runs from 9 Dec 2011 to 10 Dec 2011
How should Liverpool line up against QPR?
Team 3: Kuyt the wide option
23.21%
Team 1: Maxi in central midfield
22.51%
Team 2: Downing on the wing
22.04%
Team 4: Suarez behind Carroll
19.94%
Another formation entirely
7.32%
Team 5: Carragher at the back
4.98%
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
-
The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
-
Rodgers ushers in new Anfield era on his own terms
The Northern Irishman inevitably expressed his delight at landing the Reds job but evidenced plenty of the steely resolve which could see him become a success at Anfield
