If we go with a 4-2-3-1, I predict the following (until Sturridge is fit): - Lovren and Skrtel to start. I don't know why but I have this horrible feeling that Rodgers will try and make this work at the expense of Sakho. - Hendo and Milner as the midfield 2. No place for Can I'm afraid. And with these two, we have no natural defensive player or ball winner. Both are too similar. - 3 of Lallana, Coutinho and Firmino. Lallana should be on the left side of the three with Firmino as the number 10. Unfortunately, Coutinho will be put out on the wing which isn't good. - Benteke up front leading the line. Will expect crosses from the wide men because he won't make runs in behind the defence nor does he move. His touch and intelligence are both terrible so just get the ball to his chest for him to hold it up and link players. Problem is, we tried to do this last season with Mario but no one got close to him to link.
Irony is that I didn't want Bony because I preferred a fast, more dynamic striker. I'd take Bony in a heartbeat over Benteke.
Coutinho should be central but if he's moved, surely he goes on the left? In a 4231 with those three as the three, Lallana is only ever going to be on the right.
Will come from the full backs. Coutinho and Firmino are best centrally. Can and maybe Hendo will occupy the space in front of defence, allowing full backs to push on.
Benteke's goal for Villa: 64.4% of his goals came from free kicks/penalties or headers. This is why I don't think he's a good fit at Liverpool.
