No end in sight for toiling Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers needs a break in terms of striking options

Things have got gone well for Liverpool so far this season and Alex Johnson doesn't see that it is going to get better at any time soon.

The end of this international break should have signalled the start of a period of recovery for Liverpool.

Brendan Rodgers' side have got a decent run of fixtures approaching, starting at Crystal Palace on Sunday, and the Anfield boss would have been expecting an upturn in fortunes.

Every Premier League manager waits patiently on their stars to return from international duty unscathed. More than ever with this window signalling a period of hibernation until the spring for internationals.

For Rodgers, disaster struck with a player right under his nose at Melwood. The loss of Daniel Sturridge for another six-week layoff is a crushing blow for the Reds.

Mario Balotelli returned from the Italian camp nursing a hamstring injury meaning Rodgers could be down to the bare bones for the trip to Palace.

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Will Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert be afforded the chance to prove their worth?

Rodgers may have his hand forced, but arguably he could do worse than allowing that duo the chance to impress.

Borini showed at the end of last season that he is capable at this level. The 23-year-old played a crucial role in helping Sunderland secure their top-flight status - scoring three times in four games as Gus Poyet's side made an unlikely escape.

His opportunities have been limited at Anfield but much less would be expected of him in comparison with the circus that follows compatriot Balotelli's every move.

Lambert, on the other hand, is a proven Premier League goalscorer. The England international has started only once in the league this season and has failed to hit the net in that or his eight appearances from the bench.

In the two seasons prior to this at Southampton, though, Lambert helped himself to 28 league goals making him by far and away the most prolific scorer Rodgers can call upon right now.

Rodgers saw fit to give the St Mary's club 4m this summer to secure his services and the Northern Irishman must now trust his own judgement.

Many will speculate that Balotelli was not Rodgers' desired choice as the transfer window neared its conclusion but Lambert surely was the manager's pick.

Whatever it was he saw in the striker, Rodgers will have to rely on Lambert in the short term.

After Palace, Liverpool face Stoke, Leicester and Sunderland in the league. With respect, Lambert should fancy his chances against such opposition.

Balotelli has misfired consistently and whether Rodgers truly believes the Italian will turn it around is open to considerable debate.

Starting Lambert may necessitate Liverpool to alter their style of play somewhat but given the paucity of goals this season, it looks to be worth trying in the vain hope they can keep their season alive into the January transfer window.