Whoever replaces Diomande needs to be willing and able to do his defensive work against Liverpool - he's not been playing as an out and out striker. I worry that Hernandez would come up short in that role, he needs to be up top of he starts. I'd start Diomande, or go with Henriksen.
I'd go with: Marshall Elmo Davies Livermore Robertson Mason Clucas Huddlestone Snodgrass Hernandez Mbokani Wouldn't fancy Hernandez out wide but Mbokani's work rate should mean he can fill the Diomande role.
I'd go with this. Both Mbokani and Snodgrass can keep hold of the ball. In some ways holding the ball up out wide is better than in the centre. Will give chance to get balls into Hernandez. Would be good to see Mbokani getting into the box late to meet crosses from Elmo and Snodgrass in a Stuart Elliot type way. Edit: Actually I'd stick with Jakupovic. Not much to choose between them though.
It has to be Jak Elmo Jake Davies Robbo Snodgers Huddlestone Clucas Meyler Dio Hernandez Anything other would be a travesty and a big **** you to the players who have performed so admirably. They deserve their chance to keep their place in the team.
I'm afraid there is no room for sentiment in the premier league, Meyler was caught in possession too many times against arsenal and then against stoke and if he does the same against Liverpool's potent strike force we will be in for a very long afternoon. Mason in for Meyler is a definite and also Mbokani in for Hernandez as I don't believe Abel is suited to been isolated up front. He always looks disinterested and sulky when playing in that role, stick Mbokani on and let him show what he did at Norwich ie a never stop working attitude.
Like that team. Not sure on formation? I'd probably go with 2 deep midfielders as Liverpool like to play the ball around in front of the defence. Clucas and Huddlestone leaving Mason to resume his 'Van Basten' role he played with aplomb at Stoke!
Their front 3 are going to be a right pain in the arse...but their defence can be had. Marshall Elmo Davies Livermore Robertson Mason Clucas Thudd Snods Henriksen/Abel Mbokani
Be tempted to go 532 Marshall Elmo Livermore Maguire Davies Robbo Mason Clucas Hudd Snoddy Mbokani Snoddy drifting about in a free role
This is what I would go with, the only dilemma is Mbokani needs to play up the middle IMO, which would mean Hernandez on the left doing what Dio was doing, but Hernandez would need to track back and cover Robertson, which I fear would leave the left side weak defensively. We could leave Hernandez out, and put Meyler on the left to protect Robertson.
We are not going to underestimate you, becuase we know your feeling "if Burnley can do it Hull also can do it"
Yes, you are right, but if we play 433, Hernandez against the likes of Liverpool is wasted as he cannot hold the ball up and is isolated. Mbokani, as we have seen, can do that job much better, but if we need a replacement for Dio, Hernadez is not suited to that job, as he wouldn't track back effectively. Robertson needs some cover, and I suggested Meyler but Maloney could do that job.