MARK LAWRENSON: Start with your stars and rest them later

Sep 25 2007 COMMENT by Mark Lawrenson

I CAN fully understand Rafael Benitez’s intentions to keep his squad fresh for a long campaign by rotating his team selections.

But I find it hard to fathom why he does not start each game with as many of his match-winners on the pitch as possible.

Fernando Torres had just 30 minutes to try and change the course of the goalless draw against Birmingham – but would it not be better to try it the other way round?

Start with players like Torres, who can have such a huge influence on a game and if all goes well, or a change of tactics is needed, they can be taken off later.

That way Liverpool increase their chances of seeing off the opposition, particularly when a team, like Birmingham, is content to sit back and put the onus on the home side to break them down.

Having said that, while it was certainly a case of two points dropped against Birmingham it is not a disaster at this stage of the season.

Liverpool were flying before the international break but three successive draws are being highlighted as a sign that they have lost their momentum and the rotation policy is once again the subject of much debate amongst the supporters.

But everyone in the Premier League will find Portsmouth a tough nut to crack on their own ground while a draw in Porto is not a bad result.

Liverpool were a bit flat against Birmingham and given the attacking talents at Benitez’s disposal it was a bit worrying that there were unable to break down stubborn opposition.

Xabi Alonso is a big miss for the team, particularly against a side like Birmingham where his range of passing can help unlock a defence.

Sami Hyypia is a more than able replacement for Daniel Agger. He has never had great pace but the Liverpool defence are not caught exposed too often because of the great protection in front of them.

But there is still plenty of time for Liverpool to close the gap at the top. Arsenal have made a really good start and are playing some very attractive football, but four out of their six games have been at home.

Teams will still find it easier to stop them playing without Thierry Henry and they can still be hauled back in.

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