Liverpool FC: Predicting Possible Lineups for Reds vs Queens Park Rangers

The above picture of Luis Suarez says it all for the feelings of many Liverpool fans including myself in recent weeks. Neither the referees or the woodwork or luck appears to really be on the side of the Reds lately.

Even though there was that great unbeaten streak, it was still a tough one to see as the Reds dropped points to clubs they should have beaten and failed to finish off big games that were in their hands to win had they just put the ball in the net.

Now a winnable-looking December has already thrown out its first set of curveballs. It was hard enough to take the loss of Lucas Leiva for the rest of the season, but now a horrible red card call on Jay Spearing has cost the midfield even more dearly when you factor in Steven Gerrard also being out injured.

While it is yet to be announced if the appeal for Spearing has been received or overturned, until then it must be assumed that he is out for the time being. With that in mind, the midfield selection possibilities are becoming increasingly limited and could see Kenny Dalglish make some interesting lineup decisions in regard to the Queens Park Rangers fixture on the weekend and throughout the rest of December.

5-3-2 Formation

The 5-3-2 may seem like a crazy idea for the Reds but it could prove beneficial as a counter to the major amounts of headed goals that Heidar Helguson has been adding for Queens Park Rangers as of late.

It was used to great affect by Kenny Dalglish last season in several spots, including the 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge over Chelsea.

With the current lack of midfield options, it could provide additional support to the attack without compromising the defense as both Jose Enrique and Glen Johnson could get forward and the additional center back would allow Charlie Adam to not have as much cover work required of him.

Possible Lineup

Pepe Reina: Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel, Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger, Jose Enrique; Maxi Rodriguez, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing; Craig Bellamy, Luis Suarez

4-2-3-1

A classic European formation, the 4-2-3-1 was a mainstay of the Rafa Benitez era and may have to be brought back from time to time in limited selection times such as these.

It would allow more attackers into the game while still providing cover. The only problem would be the Reds do not really have any holding or deep sitting midfielders without Spearing or Lucas as previously mentioned and could risk being caught out or exposed in the middle.

Possible Lineup

Pepe Reina: Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger, Jose Enrique; Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson; Dirk Kuyt/Maxi Rodriguez, Craig Bellamy/Jonjo Shelvey, Stewart Downing/Craig Bellamy; Luis Suarez

4-4-2

England's most historical and traditional formation, the 4-4-2, will be the most likely setup that the Reds come out in.

Queens Park Rangers will be seen as a team that should not overly trouble the Liverpool defense, but none the less they will most certainly have their moments.

Kenny Dalglish will likely throw his big man Andy Carroll into the lineup, although I pray against that, and it could cost us a full three points if the Geordie Giant continues to fumble around and not be the player he truly could be.

Possible Lineups

Option 1 (Most Likely)

Pepe Reina: Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger, Jose Enrique; Dirk Kuyt, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing; Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez

Option 2 (Personally Preferred)

Pepe Reina: Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger, Jose Enrique; Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, Maxi Rodriguez; Luis Suarez, Craig Bellamy

Summary

Liverpool need a win more than anything from this fixture. The Reds have failed to finish off games at home all season and the current squad must find a way to grind out games and get some results.

Beyond that, the players need to show that the absence of Steven Gerrard, Lucas Leiva and currently Jay Spearing does not completely cripple the midfield. Both Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson need to prove that they can be versatile and manage tracking back as well as going forward in the center of the park.

Henderson has been looked at as a future central midfield star for the Reds, and if that is to be the case this could be his time to shine and prove all of his doubters wrong before it is too late. Jonjo Shelvey will most likely be the super sub for the midfield in the absence of all the others to injury or suspension.

What looked like a winnable month of December has already been given a blow thanks to Fulham. This is perhaps one of the most crucial runs of games as it is one of the easiest the Reds were set to face all season with weaker competition for five straight games until Newcastle at the end of the month.

It also could see the Reds reach close to 40 points in the first half of the season as a points total of at least 67 is expected to be needed to lock down a fourth place finish and a Champions League place.

The Reds need all the points they can grab from these games right now if they can expect to have a chance of reaching their goal of returning to the top-tier of European action next campaign.

You can check out the breakdown of the potential impact of December on the Reds season here, Liverpool FC: The Importance of a Great December on Reds Champions League Hopes and also catch all of the weeks match previews and predictions here, English Premier League: EPL Week 15 Previews and Predictions.

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