Goals

psl · September 5, 2012

So we all know about the departures from a squad that already scored too few goals and the failure to bring someone in before the transfer window closed and seemingly afterwards. So we have what we have and the question is, how are we going to get enough goals out of the squad to get us at least until January with acceptable results?

Naturally the only strikers that we have are Suarez, Borini and Morgan. Suarez is our best player but clearly not the most reliable of goalscorers. I would definitely give Borini a go down the middle with Suarez in one of the positions either side. In any event, those two are going to have to split that role between them in the league. I would imagine Morgan will play up front in the league cup and some Europa League games. I don't see any one else in the squad capable of playing that role with the exception of Gerrard, who is probably the best finisher in the squad but I'd imagine unlikely to be given the role up top. Maybe Ngoo will be given a chance.

Concerning the two positions either side of the centre forward, we have Sterling, Downing, Cole and Assaidi. This is very thin but I imagine that these four will share the role between them, with Downing being used at left back in some home games. Hopefully Assaidi is f***ing amazing as I can't see many goals coming from that lot. Sterling does look as if he poses a goal threat but it is big ask for him to play a starting role all season. I still think Joe Cole could offer something to the squad but is unlikely to stay fit. I would definitely consider putting Gerrard in this bracket in the circumstances, and using Henderson, Shelvey etc to fill any holes left in the three behind them. Shelvey has shown himself to be a threat to the opposition goal also and should therefore play more often than not in my opinion.

Essentially, we're in a real quandry and appear to be in for half a season at least of scoring infrequently. Still, what we have to do is get the best out of Suarez, Borini and Gerrard who appear to be our most potent threat and I would therefore try Suarez on the left, with Borini in the middle and Gerrard on the right, with Shelvey, Allen and Sahin in the mid-field until Lucas returns and comes in for Shelvey. Glen Johnson should be encouraged to get forward whenever possible, particularly at home as he too can make things happen in the opposition penalty area.

Finally, lets hope Skrtel and Agger are good for a handful each!

What would anyone else do with the squad we have to try and maximise the goal threat posed?

Edited September 5, 2012 by psl

Earl Hafler · September 5, 2012

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