3-4-3 Formation Switch Can Save Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool Job

Liverpool began their Europa League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Bordeaux in south-west France on Thursday evening.

The Reds' goal arrived midway through the second half, a beautiful turn and finish from Adam Lallana, but they were unable to hold on and eventually conceded the equaliser with nine minutes remaining.

A draw away to Bordeaux will not go down as one of Liverpool's famous European nights, far from it, but it did provide plenty of positives for under-fire boss Brendan Rodgers.

The Northern Irishman left six first-team players at home, made eight changes from the side that lost at Old Trafford five days earlier and changed the system to the 3-4-3 (3-4-2-1) formation which served his side so well during their 13-match unbeaten run last winter.

Formation

Rodgers abandoned the 3-4-3 after his side lost to rivals Manchester United and Arsenal in quick succession back in the spring. The 4-1 defeat at the Emirates proved to be the final outing before 4-3-3 returned in the FA Cup at Blackburn Rovers a few days later.

4-3-3 has been the formation of choice in the opening five Premier League games, but the players available in the current Liverpool squad actually suit the 3-4-3 formation better—it gets the best out of the Reds' best players.

The concern, of course, is that Rodgers' experiment with this formation will prove to be just that, an experiment.

With first-choice players Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne, Lucas Leiva, James Milner and Christian Benteke left back on Merseyside, the boss could easily revert to 4-3-3—a formation that has seen Lovren and Skrtel struggle and Benteke become extremely isolated up front.

Sakho

Undoubtedly, Liverpool's star performer on Thursday night was Mamadou Sakho. The Frenchman made his first appearance of the season and was handed the captaincy—a move that a sceptic could say was Rodgers' way of trying to entice him to sign a new contract.

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Sakho provided the leadership qualities that have been so lacking for the Reds this season, constantly talking to left wing-back Alberto Moreno, defensive partner Joe Gomez, and midfield duo Jordan Rossiter and Pedro Chirivella. Three of those players are 18-year-olds, Sakho's leadership was vital for them.

"Sensing danger and dealing with it, Sakho looked like the kind of defensive leader Liverpool have been so sadly lacking so far this term," wrote James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo post-match.

"Sakho was immense at the back," praised Rodgers, per the Press Association (via This Is Anfield). "He certainly comes into the reckoning for the weekend (against Norwich)."

The attention now turns to how Rodgers can refuse to play the 25-year-old against Norwich City at Anfield on Sunday.

Sakho is a player who provides all the qualities Liverpool are desperately in short supply of: character, leadership, strength and ball-playing abilities in defence.

Rodgers' persistence with Lovren over Sakho this season has baffled supporters, and they'll be hoping this display can force the Frenchman in and the Croat out.

There is, though, one way Rodgers can play them both—sticking with three at the back.

A back three of Lovren, Skrtel and Sakho appeared on occasion last season when Emre Can was unavailable.

It would avoid Rodgers making the decision over Sakho or Lovren.

Most supporters would prefer a back three of Gomez-Skrtel-Sakho, which would give better ball-playing ability and pace either side of Skrtel.

Attack

The 3-4-3, which sees two No. 10 playmakers behind the centre-forward, also gets the best from Philippe Coutinho and Lallana.

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Neither are suited to the wide-forward role within a front three in the 4-3-3. Nor is new signing Roberto Firmino. Playing two of them behind the forward would give greater support to Benteke and allow midfield runners to get beyond the Belgian in attack.

This formation also allows for more attacking width out wide. Moreno provided a balanced display against Bordeaux and is perfectly suited to the wing-back role. Clyne would similarly revel in the role on the right.

Add in the energy and hard work of Milner and Jordan Henderson in central midfield and you have a very balanced side. With three centre-backs behind them, there should be no need for an outright holding midfielder.

Rodgers

Rodgers has always spoken of the need to be flexible, and after two disappointing Premier League defeats in a row, he must show his own flexibility and change to the formation that can bring out the best from his best players.

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Should he revert to 4-3-3 and also revert to pretty much the same side that has started every league game so far, it will be further proof he isn't learning from his mistakes.

It would be a similar story to when Rodgers made wholesale changes for the team away to Real Madrid last November, with impressive performances that night from Kolo Toure and Lucas in particular, only to change back to his first team for the next game a few days later.

That was at home to Chelsea, and the same problems persisted, the same first-team players underperformed.

The Liverpool boss must now keep faith with those who impressed in Bordeaux, not only to show he has learned from his mistakes, but to show others in the squad that they, too, can force their way into his reckoning via the Europa League.

How depressing would it be for the likes of Rossiter or Divock Origi to see how well Sakho played, then see him not start the next game—how can they ever see an opportunity for themselves?

A switch to the 3-4-3 formation could save Rodgers' job—at least for now.