'It suits them so much better'
Steve Nicol believes the addition of Daniel Sturridge and a switch to two strikers gives Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool more options to worry opponents.
The former Red was impressed by the fledgling combination between Sturridge and 20-goal Luis Suarez against Norwich on Saturday - claiming that the duo have made an instant difference.
Nicol told talkSPORT: "The second half at Manchester United, they were great. There were great signs.
"I was hoping he would keep them together at the weekend against Norwich, and he did. It was more like a 4-4-2. I thought they combined great. They are both scoring goals.
"The biggest difference in them is the way they played. The way Henderson tucked in then went out whenever they lost the ball was great.
"It was a 4-4-2 with two guys up front - that gives the opposition back four so much more to worry about. To me, it suits them so much better."
The Reds have risen to seventh in the Barclays Premier League, although the man who made 468 Liverpool appearances warned that the real challenges lie ahead.
He added: "The performance at the weekend and the second half at Manchester United definitely give you optimism.
"But you have to look at the facts as well - they still haven't beaten a top-10 side this season.
"They've got a tough game against Arsenal away coming up at the end of the month followed by Manchester City away.
"That's probably going to be where we'll find out where they are."
In the week that Liverpoolfc.com launched the second edition of our 100 Players Who Shook the Kop poll, Nicol reflected on where Steven Gerrard will rank.
"He's definitely up there. I would still argue that Kenny has been the most influential," said the 51-year-old.
"If you think about what Kenny did on the field and off the field, it tips the scales. But you could argue Steven Gerrard is just slightly behind him.
"It's incredible what he has done with the club. There have been good times and some tough times - through it all, he has been absolutely magnificent."