Liverpool FC: Some Things Kenny Dalglish Must Get Right at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea and Stamford Bridge play host to Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool side this Sunday in a hotly contested Barclays Premier League showdown. Last year, Liverpool did the double over Chelsea, winning both at home and away.

This time, however, the task will be more difficult. Two big names have switched sides: Raul Meireles and Fernando Torres may feature against the reds this time.

However, Liverpool have also added to their squad, in the hope of landing Champions League football next season. Kenny Dalglish will have to get almost everything right in what may become the battle for the final Champions League spot.

The Starting Line Up

This one is pretty obvious, isn't it.

Steven Gerrard may or may not be fit for Sunday, and so a starting place for the skipper is unlikely. Luis Suarez is expected to be fit, and should start. Jamie Carragher may feature.

Liverpool adopted an effective 5-3-2 formation last year against the blues, and I would advise a similar formation this weekend. The fact is, Liverpool will find it difficult to keep Chelsea out, and so defending in numbers, and playing hard working players may benefit the reds.

This means, no Andy Carroll. It means Dirk Kuyt.

Andy has looked short of fitness and desire to win the ball back at times whereas Dirk Kuyt assures the team of hard work. He should start alongside Luis Suarez.

In midfield, Lucas thrives in big games and will almost definitely start. It is likely that Charlie Adam will also start for Liverpool alongside either Jordan Henderson or Steven Gerrard.

The five man defence should consist of Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger, Jamie Carragher, Martin Kelly and Jose Enrique. It would be up to the two wing backs to support the reds in attack. Skrtel may play instead of Carragher, but I would not advise it.

Luis Suarez

Suarez will almost definitely start this game for the reds, but I wonder if that is the best way to go. It sounds horrible, inconceivable even, that Liverpool's best attacking threat wouldn't start against a team Liverpool can't afford to lose to.

However, Suarez didn't start against Arsenal or Chelsea last year, games that Liverpool won. Sadly, the Uruguayan has a somewhat unpredictable character at the best of times. He is easily frustrated, and so a game where Liverpool may be penned back for large parts of the game may not be the best game for him.

Meaning, he may do something stupid and get sent off.

If he didn't start, Chelsea would almost certainly be shocked. He would be an excellent impact player, as you saw against Arsenal. He would also be, if possible, even more fired up when he came on.

Just something to think about, Kenny.

Use of Andy Carroll

While I think it unlikely that Andy Carroll will start against Chelsea, I think he would do well to come on as an early substitute.

If Liverpool manage to keep the game goalless, or even snatch a lead, Carroll should be sent on to try and sneak a goal in from a set piece. Liverpool will find it hard to break Chelsea down, providing the blues and Andre Villas Boas has learnt from an embarrassing defensive performance against Srsenal.

So, a set piece, or long balls may be the key towards the end of the match, and Carroll would certainly be a match for the two Chelsea centre backs in the air.

Style of Play and Tactics

Liverpool have tried to play some attractive, pass and move football under Kenny Dalglish. Liverpool must move the ball extremely quickly if they are to keep the ball and actually advance into Chelsea's half, and long balls must not be used unless Carroll is on the pitch, and even then in moderation.

But, the main thing is defensive play.

Chelsea have so many great attacking options, it's going to be difficult to track them all. I would assign players man marking roles, to try and nullify most threats. Yes, it's risky.

Lucas should stick to Juan Mata or whoever plays in that role, and the one centre back should stick to the centre forward while the other two defend zonally in the area.

Let's just hope Torres has another one of his days.