Liverpool have it all to do. After their incredible run of 13 Premier League games without defeat – a run stretching for over three months – was brought to an end by Manchester United on Sunday, the Reds suddenly have their backs up against the wall.
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A two point gap between themselves and the Champions League places has become five, and they’re now facing the prospect of being without captain Steven Gerrard and key defender Marin Skrtel for a crucial run of matches, which sees them face Arsenal and Newcaslte United, as well as a decisive FA Cup replay against Blackburn Rovers.
By the time they return, the Reds could be out of the race for the top four, out of the FA Cup, and out of chances to ensure that they send Gerrard out on a high prior to his move to MLS side LA Galaxy, who he’s set to join in the summer.
So how will Brendan Rodgers go about ensuring that does’t happen. Avoiding defeat will be crucial at the Emirates Stadium, and with that in mind, here are five possible Liverpool teams for the game against the Gunners a week on Saturday:
CHOICE ONE
(3-4-3) Mignolet; Can, Lovren, Sakho; Allen, Henderson, Sterling, Moreno; Coutinho, Lallana, Sturridge
The most obvious choice for Liverpool is to stick with their current formation. Gerrard hasn’t been a starter for over a month, so the Reds shouldn’t have any issues in sticking with Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson in midfield. Dejan Lovren can then replace Skrtel at the back.
CHOICE TWO
(3-4-3) Mignolet; Can, Toure, Sakho; Allen, Henderson, Sterling, Moreno; Coutinho, Lallana, Sturridge
The other option at the back is to go with the more experienced Kolo Toure. He will go head-to-head with Lovren over the crucial central role between Emre Can and Mamadou Sakho, who should retain their positions on the right and left, assuming the formation stays the same…
CHOICE THREE
(4-3-3) Mignolet; Johnson, Can, Sakho, Moreno; Allen, Lucas, Henderson; Sterling, Coutinho, Sturridge
A drastic change would be to go to a more solid 4-3-3, with Lucas Leiva coming into the midfield alongside Allen and Henderson. Adam Lallana would drop out to make room for an additional defensive player, while Alberto Moreno would be pushed back into the four.
CHOICE FOUR
(4-5-1) Mignolet; Johnson, Can, Sakho, Moreno; Allen, Henderson, Lallana, Sterling, Coutinho, Sturridge
A similar set-up to the 4-3-3, but with Lallana keeping his place. Glen Johnson retains his position at the back, while Allen and Henderson form a midfield blockade to support a defence that likes to get forward. Sterling and Coutinho join Lallana in a trio behind Sturridge.
CHOICE FIVE
(5-3-2) Mignolet; Can, Toure, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno; Lucas, Allen, Henderson; Sterling, Sturridge
The most defensive the Reds can go. Toure and Lovren both come into the defence, while Moreno drops back to complete a five. Lucas, Allen and Henderson again complete a midfield three, while Can and Moreno push down the flanks in support. Sterling sits behind Sturridge up top.
