Liverpool FC

Getting rid of Maxi would be a mistake. He's a grafter, more skilful than than he's given credit for, and what's more he likes playing on the "wrong" wing, something Hodgson has done with wide men for his entire managerial career. It's patently obvious that Liverpool need a left back of genuine quality, but with a midfield consisting of Cole cutting in from the left, Maxi from the right, Mascherano (assuming he stays, of course) and Gerrard in the middle and Jovanovic playing tucked in behind Torres or Kuyt, Liverpool are already looking like a Hodgson side.

The apparent signing of Luke Young gives reliable defensive cover for Johnson, the centre backs are fine and if Babel is played in his best position, i.e. behind the main striker and given freedom to roam, then there's every chance of him becoming the player he was when Rafa spotted him, meaning Jovanovic is well covered without the system being compromised. The only problem Roy will have is getting some of the star names to adapt to his methods. It took him a good while to win over the Fulham players, and those players won't have the kind of ego that some of the big names at Liverpool will have. If he can win them over quickly, Liverpool are looking in a good position to do well this season. If the egos get in the way, then things will look much as they did last season, at least until Roy can bring in players to suit his methods and tactics. If that happens, I just hope he's given time to prove himself right in the long term. Given time in a job, Hodgson will always come up trumps in the long run.