After Liverpool's home defeat to Aston Villa on August the 25th, I argued that several changes needed to be made to the formation, the most important of which being Steven Gerrard moving to central midfield. Given the team's run of defeats since that time, and the absence of Fernando Torres, the need for playing 'aces in their places' is now more important than ever.
I hope Rafa plays the following line-up/formation tonight against Lyon:
---------------------- Reina
Johnson --------- Carra --- Agger/Skrtel --------- Aurelio
---------------- Gerrard -- Masch
Babel -------------- Benayoun ---------- Riera (if fit)
---------------------- Kuyt
If Riera is not fit:
---------------------- Reina
Johnson --------- Carra --- Agger/Skrtel --------- Insua
---------------- Gerrard -- Masch
Babel -------------- Benayoun ---------- Aurelio
---------------------- Kuyt
Benefits:
1. Moving Gerrard to midfield solidifies the heart of the team and reintroduces some of Alonso’s qualities into the fold. It is incomprehensible to me that this has not happened yet.
2. Benyoun’s natural position is just behind the striker; he has proved this season and last that he is more than capable of playing there. It is a natural solution – playing him on the left imbalances the team and wastes much of his talent.
3. It’s obvious, but Albert Riera (if fit) brings balance to the team. What is the point of having him if he doesn’t play? if he's not fit, then Aurlelio is left-footed, which means balance to the team is retained, and the team can benefit from his passing/set piece ability.
4. Torres is out - David N'gog is an option by i think going with someone who is more experienced in the Champions League would be better.
5. This is an attacking team. Liverpool are at home. No need to fear anyone.
6. Every player is arguably in their natural/strongest/most comfortable position: aces in their places; bags of experience and no square pegs in round holes.
7. I do not have a problem with Lucas as a player - he has done his best this season and is progressing. However, the only question to consider here is this: who is the better central midfielder - Gerrard or Lucas? The answer is obvious, so Lucas must drop to the bench.
If we play this team and formation, I have no doubt we will beat Lyon.
I hope Rafa plays the following line-up/formation tonight against Lyon:
---------------------- Reina
Johnson --------- Carra --- Agger/Skrtel --------- Aurelio
---------------- Gerrard -- Masch
Babel -------------- Benayoun ---------- Riera (if fit)
---------------------- Kuyt
If Riera is not fit:
---------------------- Reina
Johnson --------- Carra --- Agger/Skrtel --------- Insua
---------------- Gerrard -- Masch
Babel -------------- Benayoun ---------- Aurelio
---------------------- Kuyt
Benefits:
1. Moving Gerrard to midfield solidifies the heart of the team and reintroduces some of Alonso’s qualities into the fold. It is incomprehensible to me that this has not happened yet.
2. Benyoun’s natural position is just behind the striker; he has proved this season and last that he is more than capable of playing there. It is a natural solution – playing him on the left imbalances the team and wastes much of his talent.
3. It’s obvious, but Albert Riera (if fit) brings balance to the team. What is the point of having him if he doesn’t play? if he's not fit, then Aurlelio is left-footed, which means balance to the team is retained, and the team can benefit from his passing/set piece ability.
4. Torres is out - David N'gog is an option by i think going with someone who is more experienced in the Champions League would be better.
5. This is an attacking team. Liverpool are at home. No need to fear anyone.
6. Every player is arguably in their natural/strongest/most comfortable position: aces in their places; bags of experience and no square pegs in round holes.
7. I do not have a problem with Lucas as a player - he has done his best this season and is progressing. However, the only question to consider here is this: who is the better central midfielder - Gerrard or Lucas? The answer is obvious, so Lucas must drop to the bench.
If we play this team and formation, I have no doubt we will beat Lyon.
