Liverpool FC: Formation Options and Starting Lineups for Brendan Rodgers

With the opening day of the new season fast approaching, Brendan Rodgers has less than two weeks to pick a starting 11 and a formation for the Europa League qualifier in early August. While we know that Rodgers will likely stray away from the 4-4-2, as most sides do these days, the exact formation of choice is still open to speculation.

And speculate I will.

In this article, I will give you three formations, all possession-based, that I feel are most likely to feature at some point next season.

A 4-2-3-1

Rodgers is almost certain to go for a formation where there are more than two central midfielders, so as to maintain possession of the ball and really implement the "Tiki-Taka" style of football that has become so iconic in modern football.

This formation is solid defensively and offensively, with Lucas and Gerrard starting attacks, supported by Suarez, who would also act as a playmaker. Width would be provided by Downing, Borini, Bellamy, Sterling or potentially Dempsey.

The formation is my personal favourite, with Andy Carroll an option up front. Alternatives include Suarez up top, with someone else in the CAM spot (Henderson, Cole, Gerrard or Aquilani), or new signing Borini leading the line.

A 4-3-3

This formation is also almost certain to be used at some point, though the lack of genuine pace in the side may make it less effective. Lucas, Gerrard and Aquilani would act as the engine room for the side, keeping the ball between them, with the two wingers coming inside to keep possession also likely.

Again, I am assuming Andy Carroll's style of play rules him out of this kind of formation, leaving the options of Borini, Suarez or Bellamy up front.

I'm still undecided as to whether Rodgers will drop out-and-out wingers such as Downing (cough cough) and replace them with makeshift ones like Joe Cole, who are more likely to keep the ball moving quickly without wasting it.

Only time will tell one this one.

A 4-5-1

*Providing they do sign Clint Dempsey.

This formation is very similar to the 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3.

It's as if the two formations were morphed together.

This formation is not as offensive as the 4-3-3, but it is more offensive than the 4-2-3-1, with no central defensive midfielders being used. The "wingers" have also been moved back from the 4-2-3-1, which is the only noticeable difference. Move the two wingers up in line with the central attacking midfielder, and you've got the 4-2-3-1.

This formation is a possibility, though, personally, I consider the two former formations more likely to be used regularly.

Conclusion

The actual formations will, of course, depend on the availability of players in the squad and new players.

This article was simply an idea I had to brainstorm some formations that could be used next season that were possession-based. I think it's fair to say the 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3 and 4-5-1 are all largely similar.

What formation would you pick for next season? Thanks for reading.