Liverpool FC: The Starting XI Kenny Dalglish Must Use Against Fulham

Liverpool travel to Craven Cottage to face a Fulham side who has only collected 12 points in 13 games. 

A win is a must for Liverpool as they need to keep pace with Tottenham Hotspur and capitalise on Newcastle United's loss to Chelsea. 

With Chelsea facing Manchester City next week, it is probable they will drop points, so three points against Fulham is the only option. 

Here is my preferred starting XI. 

Goalkeeper: Pepe Reina

In the Premier League, Liverpool have protected Pepe Reina to the extent that he made one save against Manchester City, two saves against Chelsea and one save against Manchester United. 

Surprisingly Norwich City, who average 1.4 goals per game, forced the Spaniard into six saves in a 1-1 draw. 

In the past, Reina has shown a tendency to flap at crosses or even misjudge the flight of a cross, though headed goals only contribute to seven percent of Fulham's goals—the lowest in the league. 

Right-Back: Martin Kelly

Selecting Glen Johnson makes sense considering he played well against Manchester City and completely dominated a seemingly disinterested Samir Nasri. 

Mind you, leading into the game, Nasri's form was nonexistent. 

What has Martin Kelly done wrong not to start?

He played well against Chelsea in the Carling Cup and won a cheeky bet with Jay Spearing regarding who would score their first senior goal. 

Look at how Manchester United have changed Phil Jones. 

So much so, some are calling him the new Duncan Edwards, which is blasphemous. 

My problem with Johnson is that he will always have defensive deficiencies, and it's more reasonable to trust someone more defensively solid. 

Centre-Back: Martin Škrtel

Liverpool supporters have learned two things about Martin Škrtel this season: He should never play at right-back, and he'll always be a decent centre-back but not a world-class centre-back.

It's perplexing as to why someone of Sebastián Coates' pedigree isn't given an extended run in the team.

Centre-Back: Daniel Agger

In seven seasons for Liverpool, Daniel Agger has yet to play 30 Premier League games in a season. 

This conveys his constant struggles with his body. 

It's so disappointing because when he is fully fit, he has to be one of the best centre-backs in the world. 

A solid tackler with excellent technique and comfortable when in possession. 

Left-Back: José Enrique

I still do not understand why Arsenal didn't buy José Enrique. Instead they panicked and bought André Santos, who can't defend and doesn't know how to play the offside trap. 

Right Winger: Dirk Kuyt

In seven games against Fulham, Dirk Kuyt has only scored once. 

This season, he has yet to find the back of the net in the Premier League. 

He compensates by being a workhorse, but one has to wonder if Liverpool would be better off buying a winger or a wide forward like Marco Reus during the transfer window. 

Centre Midfielder: Jordan Henderson

With Lucas out, do away with the defensive midfielder, and play two central midfielders. 

This is the perfect time to see how different Liverpool play without a limited midfielder in the team. 

Liverpool didn't buy Jordan Henderson because he played well out wide, they bought him because they saw quality in him controlling Sunderland's midfield. 

So play him there and give him a chance to succeed. 

Centre Midfielder: Charlie Adam

For £7 million, Charlie Adam is a bargain, but what irks me is him wasting possession, going for the Hail Mary pass too often. 

It makes him look like Zinedine Zidane when he pulls it off, but generally he doesn't. 

A positive is that unlike Bruno Cheyrou, who would give himself a pass on defensive duties, Adam runs around snapping at the ankles of opposing players. 

Provided he doesn't imitate Paul Scholes' tackling, then it's all good. 

Left Winger: Maxi

Stewart Downing continues to disappoint and has yet to score a goal or provide an assist for Liverpool.

While Maxi—in the limited opportunities he has been given—has scored three goals and provided an assist in six games (four of which he was either subbed on or off). 

Plus Craven Cottage holds good memories for Maxi after his hat trick against Fulham last season. 

Centre Forward: Luis Suárez

Luis Suárez is a world-class forward who isn't receiving enough assistance from his teammates. 

The question is who to partner him with? Find out in the next slide. 

Centre Forward: Craig Bellamy

Since Andy Carroll has established how ineffective he is and his partnership with Luis Suárez is nonexistent, try playing Craig Bellamy there and see if his pace can attract the attention of opposing centre-backs.

Suárez receives so much attention, which has limited his success in the Premier League so far. 

Your Opinion

My preferred starting XI: Pepe Reina, Martin Kelly, Martin Škrtel, Daniel Agger, José Enrique, Dirk Kuyt, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Maxi, Luis Suárez, Craig Bellamy. 

Comment below with your preferred starting XI.

Please read 11 Players Who Shouldn't Be on the FIFPro World XI Shortlist.