Somehow I believe we should continue with the same formation. We don't have to play every offensive player or profile in the starting line up. Aquilani and Gerrard should never be paired up in the middle. The most important thing this season IMO is that we build a stronger squad. Cole is a step forward.
As it stands we've got:
4 CB: Agger, Carra, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel
3 RB: Johnson, Kelly, Degen
0 LB: Robinson doesn't count
2 DM: Lucas, Mascherano (expected to leave)
2 CM: Shelvey, Gerrard
1 AM: Cole, Aquilani
3 LW: Riera (expected to leave), Babel (not sure if he stays), Jovanovic (could be RW)
2 RW: Maxi, Kuyt
2 ST: Torres, Ngog
It's quite obvious where we need to strengthen the squad. We desperately need a left fullback and a striker, as it stands. If Mascherano leaves we will need another DM as well.
So in conclusion:
1-2 LB
1 DM (probably)
1 ST
Isn't too hard to acquire, right?