Daniel Sturridge is out of action… again. After injuring himself following a thigh problem sustained with England, the Liverpool striker was expected to make his long-awaited return this weekend against Crystal Palace. But he’s picked up another thigh issue and is set for ANOTHER spell on the sidelines.Without Sturridge the Reds have eight points from eight games this season, so some sort of plan to turn things around is a must for Brendan Rodgers. What can the Northern Irishman do?Well, here are a few ideas for him to ponder…[ffc-gallery]

CLICK ON STURRIDGE TO REVEAL THE FIVE

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Mario Balotelli in a front two

Balotelli has been a disaster so far for Liverpool. The Italian arrived with the hype of a Hollywood star, but has produced the result of a z-list celebrity at Anfield. Two goals – neither in the Premier League – are all ‘Super Mario’ has to boast about, yet there have been glimmers of what’s possible. His debut – during the 3-0 Spurs win – was, arguably, his most impressive showing, And during this game he was in a front two with Daniel Sturridge.

Balotelli himself has admitted that he’s better in a pair, with his unique playing style making him prone to drifting deep or wide, which leaves the Reds short of options in the box. Fabio Borini could be an effective stand-in partner for his compatriot, while Rickie Lambert would give a different option alongside Mario.

Use a false nine system

For part of the home loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League, Brendan Rodgers came over all football hipster by using a ‘false nine’ system. Raheem Sterling was deployed as the furthest forward attacker, providing the energy that Balotelli often fails to deliver.

With a wealth of tricky playmakers and wingers, Rodgers has plenty of options, and a fluid set-up could be wise against some opponents. However, the lack of a focal point may be detrimental. But hey, it can’t get much worse, right?

Give Rickie Lambert a chance

Lambert looks more and more like a competition winner playing alongside his idols as each week passes. It’s quite sad to see the former Southampton idol struggling so much, but a run of games may bring back the clever target man we all saw on the South Coast. Mobility is a massive issue for the 32-year-old, but if he has support around him his intelligence and ability to pick out the right pass may be come to the fore.

Up the tempo

Liverpool last season were breakneck fast. Games could be over within 30 minutes – the Arsenal drubbing an example – with Brendan Rodgers’ side hassling, harrying and attacking with ferocious pace. Yet this seasons Reds are ponderous, building up slowly and feeding balls into the box from wide.

Okay, playing quick football needs the right type of players, but, Balotelli aside, the Merseysiders have a wealth of decent and skilful stars who are adept and one touch football.

Plan for January

Sturridge is a great striker. But his injury record is woeful…

Building around a player who spends as much time on the treatment table as on the pitch is a flawed policy, so it may be time for Liverpool to get in a new talisman in January. There are plenty of strikers on the market, but a bit more foresight than was put into the Balotelli episode may be needed…