Can Liverpool claim a Champions League spot at the end of the season?

Liverpool have the best defensive record in the current edition of the Barclays Premier League with a mere 13 goals conceded. However, their worries lie elsewhere as the Reds have found the back of the net only 18 times this season. Liverpool have dominated matches from start to finish on most occasions but they have ended up drawing or losing or even winning on 1-0 margins.

These facts were evident when they played Queens Park Rangers – who could be classified as mediocre opponents. A match that they should have won by a huge margin was won on a 1-0 scoreline. This is not anything new for the Reds this season. It has been a continued source of frustration for Kenny Daglish and his men. Here is how he can solve the problems that have plagued Liverpool this season.

Let Maxi, Bellamy lead the charge

Maxi Rodriguez was bought by Rafa Benitez before he got his sack on a free-transfer. Liverpool failed to qualify for the Champions League on that occasion, but the Argentine midfielder managed to create 21 goals and had an enviable pass completion rate.

Maxi impressed under Roy Hodgson as well and was one of the few who did impress during the time. He always looks reassuring on the ball and is quite creative. Maxi has this knack of creating ample space for his strikers with his runs off the ball as well as with the ball. He is great at the pass and move brand of football and it is no surprise that he has started to flourish under Kenny Daglish as well. He was scoring for fun off late with 7 goals in 3 games in which he had a pass completion rate nearing 90 percent.

While Stuart Downing is yet to come up with an assist this season, the same cannot be said about Craig Bellamy, who has been an absolute livewire for Liverpool this season. Whenever he plays for them, it feels like something special is going to happen. Even at his age, Bellamy has not lost pace and if I were the manager, Downing will be way down the pecking order.

Buy a creative midfielder

While it is not easy to get players at the right value in January, Kenny has said that Liverpool will buy in January. I will not be surprised if he adds to the creative midfield. Recalling Alberto Aquilani from Milan will be an option that I would be interested in. However, there are others such as Jadson, who will draw some attention. Suarez cannot create and score at the same time and Steven Gerrard is not getting any younger.

Buy a Striker

Reports doing the rounds today is that Liverpool have offered Andy Carroll to Newcastle United at a price of 20 million pounds. This man was never going to solve their problems in attack in the first place and I have a feeling that this was a panic buy in the aftermath of losing Fernando Torres to Chelsea.

However, this man has proved to be a major disappointment and Liverpool need to buy a quality striker to complement Luis Suarez. I do not know whether they have enough funds, but if I were at the helm, I would ask Luis to help me get his fellow countryman Edinson Cavani at the club.