LIVERPOOL v MAN UNITED - 442 or 4231? Possible line-ups for tomorrow's crunch game

Defeat against Man United on Sunday is unthinkable, and the decisions Rafa Benitez makes for that game could literally make or break Liverpool's season. Despite the doom and gloom hovering over the club at the moment, if Rafa keeps it simple and goes with aces in their places, I fully expect Liverpool to beat United.

Earlier in the week, I presented 11 reasons why I think Liverpool have struggled this season and 10 suggestions on how to get the season back on track. I argued that main thing Liverpool need to do is play aces in their places, and this is especially important for tomorrow's game.

That means no untested formations (i.e. 343); no square pegs in round holes, and players in their best/most comfortable positions.

So - taking into account all possible permutations, here are my possible line-ups for tomorrow:

1. WITH GERRARD, TORRES + JOHNSON

------------------- Reina

Johnson ------ Carra --– Agger ---- Insua

------------- Gerrard --- Masch

Kuyt ----------- Benyoun --------- Aurelio

----------------- Torres

It's highly unlikely that Gerrard, Torres and Johnson will all play, but if they do, this, in my view, is Liverpool's strongest possible line-up (without Aquilani and the injured Riera).

If Rafa springs a surprise and starts Aquilani, then I would play:

------------------- Reina

Johnson ------ Carra --– Agger ---- Aurelio

------------- Gerrard --- Masch

Kuyt ------------- Aquilani --------- Benayoun

----------------- Torres

With everyone fit, the above is Liverpool's strongest possible team. As I argued earlier in the week, Aquilani should play behind Torres whilst he's getting used to the Premiership. The last thing we need is for him to sustain another injury in the hustle and bustle of midfield. Furthermore, Gerrard and Aquilani can easily alternate positions as and when required.

2. WITHOUT GERRARD, TORRES + JOHNSON (Worst case scenario)

------------------- Reina

Kelly ------- Carra –----- Agger ---- Insua

------------- Lucas --- Masch

Babel ----------- Benayoun ------- Aurelio

------------------- Kuyt

If Aquilani starts, then:

------------------- Reina

Kelly ------- Carra –----- Agger ---- Aurelio

------------- Lucas --- Masch

Babel ----------- Aquilani ------- Benayoun

------------------- Kuyt

3. WITHOUT GERRARD/WITH JOHNSON + TORRES

------------------- Reina

Johnson ----- Carra – Agger ---- Insua

------------- Lucas --- Masch

Kuyt ----------- Benyoun --------- Aurelio

------------------- Torres

If Aquilani starts:

------------------- Reina

Johnson ----- Carra – Agger ---- Aurelio

------------- Lucas --- Masch

Kuyt ----------- Aquilani --------- Benayoun

------------------- Torres

4. POSSIBLE 442 FORMATION?

This has to be a possibility - After all, 442 was used last season when Liverpool beat United at Anfield:

------------------- Reina

Arbeloa------- Carra – Skrtel ---- Aurelio

Benayoun ---- Alonso -- Masch ----- Riera

---------------- Kuyt -- Keane

Liverpool could be in the same position this season with regards to personel, i.e. no Gerrard or Torres, so playing 442 again seems logical.

i) WITH GERRARD, TORRES + JOHNSON

------------------- Reina

Johnson ------- Carra – Agger ---- Aurelio

Babel ---- Gerrard -- Masch ----- Benayoun

---------------- Kuyt -- Torres

ii) WITHOUT GERRARD, TORRES + JOHNSON

------------------- Reina

Kelly ------- Carra – Agger ---- Aurelio

Babel ---- Lucas -- Masch ----- Benayoun

---------------- Kuyt -- N'Gog

There is a difference though: last season, we had Xabi Alonso pulling the strings in midfield, and the Spaniard put in a superb performance. In a 442, I just do not think a midfield of Lucas and Mascherano is good enough. As such, I would stick with 4231 for the game.

Liverpool won WELL against United last season at Anfield without Gerrard and Torres; there's no reason why lightning can't strike twice.

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