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Why Liverpool should play with two Strikers even is Sturridge’s absence. Mario Balotelli might be taking an important role for Liverpool in the next fixtures.

After playing a useless friendly against Norway, Daniel Sturridge has once again picked up an injury while playing for England. The Liverpool striker suffered a thigh injury during training and reports claimed that the striker is out for 3-4 weeks. It is a big blow for Brendan Rodgers and company who were looking at Sturridge as their main striker this season. It’ll be a tough task for Liverpool to replace him. But the good news is that Liverpool have enough quality at bench who can replace the Englishman this season.

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Suarez and Sturridge played less than 20 matches together last season, still Liverpool managed just under 3 goals/game when the duo played together.

Now the main question which arises for Liverpool think tank will be that with which formation they should play now. They have the independence to go with two strikers up front thanks to the likes of Rickie Lambert, Mario Balotelli and Fabio Borini. And in my suggestion as well, the Reds should go with a diamond formation even in the absence of Daniel Sturridge.

A diamond formation consist of two man up front and this formation suits the style of play with which Brendan Rodgers used to play. This season, Liverpool FC are more lethal in front of goals and scoring more goals whenever they had fielded two strikers on the pitch. In their first match, the Reds were 1 all with Saints and struggling when Rickie Lambert was substituted on. And this substitution changed the game. Even though Lambert didn’t took a direct part in the 2nd goal but his arrival allowed more freedom to other players.

In 2013-14 season, Liverpool managed 2.61 goals/game quite a contrast to the 2012-13 season when they managed 1.87 even when Suarez was there.

In a rather poor display against Manchester City, only goal of the game for Liverpool came when they changed to a 4-4-2 formation. Against Tottenham, Liverpool started with two strikers and this fits them just perfectly. With Balotelli and Sturridge upfront, midfielders have more options in going forward and for the first time in this season, Liverpool scored goals for fun. Their midfielders created more chances and they stormed past Spurs with a scintillating 3-0 victory. So Liverpool have scored 5 goals when they play with two strikers this season rather than just 1 while going with a lone striker.

Now Brendan Rodgers should start with two man upfront even if Sturridge is not available. It’ll not only bring more goals to the club but will also allow other players like Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho to shine.


Amir Bashir follow him on Twitter.  

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3 comments

  1. Ballo and lambert should start!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i will go for borini instead of lambert

      Delete
    2. hahaha good joke, i like you

      Delete