Following a start to the season which saw Liverpool grab seven points from its first three matches, the Reds have dropped back-to-back fixtures and currently have an overall goal differential of minus-one. With a couple first teamers rounding into shape, and a few reserves potentially ready for more playing time, manager Kenny Dalglish will have some real decisions to make when it comes to filling out his team sheet in the coming weeks.
The biggest question surrounds who will make way for Steven Gerrard as he appears to be on the cusp of full fitness. The captain will most likely feature against Brighton on Wednesday, making it Liverpool's most eagerly anticipated September Carling Cup match in quite some time. It will be interesting to see if Dalglish continues with the 4-4-2 he has favored in recent weeks, which will most likely mean the exclusion of Charlie Adam from the starting 11.
However, Dalglish has also utilized a 4-2-3-1 setup. In that scenario, Gerrard could partner Lucas deeper in midfield — again at the expense of Adam — or he could be played further forward behind the lone striker, a role in which Gerrard terrorized defenses during the Rafa Benitez era.
Wherever he lines up, Gerrard's incisive passing ability, unmatched leadership skills and penchant for making the impossible seem routine will be a huge lift to a Liverpool side still getting on the same page. Of course, Gerrard's return is bad news for the family of Fabio Capello, as the England boss will now be working nights and weekends devising his newest plan to injure Liverpool's talisman.
In other good news, Martin Kelly seems to be ready for first-team action, making Martin Skrtel the happiest man on Merseyside. Skrtel admirably stepped in at right back with no complaints whatsoever, but Tottenham's Gareth Bale eagerly underlined Liverpool's desperate need for a proper right back. Kelly has been a truly dynamic performer for the senior team since his first consistent minutes last year, and injuries appear to be the only thing holding back the young Englishman. Unfortunately, Capello has recently added Kelly to his Liverpool hit list. Hopefully he is merciful enough to spare Jon Flanagan for the time being.
Away from the trainer's table and onto the substitutes' bench, there are several players who may see a boost in first-team minutes following Liverpool-s mini drought in form.
Dirk Kuyt may not be as skilled as Jordan Henderson, but the newcomer has yet to fully secure the starting right wing slot, and Kuyt is a something of a metronome when it comes to production. Dalglish has faith in Henderson, and the youngster clearly has a bright future, but Henderson's struggles in the two losses may mean Kuyt gets rotated in.
Staying in attack, both Maxi and Craig Bellamy are likely to see time against Brighton on Wednesday. Maxi impressed in his lone start of the year, albeit against Exeter in the previous Carling Cup round, but he will have a very difficult time dislodging Stewart Downing from the left wing position. On the other hand, Bellamy can play in virtually every attacking position across and impressed in his brief cameo against Stoke City. Bellamy's versatility gives him a shot to crack the starting lineup, playing on either wing or alongside Luis Suarez if Dalglish wants to swap out Andy Carroll.
In defense, Daniel Agger's injury and Skrtel's dismissal/suspension will almost assuredly mean Jamie Carragher is partnered by Sebastian Coates for the match against Wolves. Coates will want to impress on his full debut, as Agger's injury record makes it likely that Coates and Skrtel will be competing for starter's minutes for at least the next few games.
Who do you think Gerrard should replace in the starting lineup? Should Dalglish rotate in some of the veteran players or stick it out with Carroll and Henderson?
