Trying to figure who Rafa Benitez will start in any game has become a favourite pastime of pundits and Liverpool supporters all season. It has been so puzzling that it could have been a TV quiz show. Now, the Champions League final is upon us, and we still have no true sense of exactly what side he will put out on the pitch in Athens. Unlike Carlo Ancelotti, whose side is fairly well settled, Rafa’s side never is and that’s how he likes it. But this time injuries and form may make many of his choices for him.

Here’s how it looks: Up front will definitely be Dirk Kuyt, partnered with either Peter Crouch or Craig Bellamy. Of the two, Crouch has been in better form and I suspect Rafa will go with him, since he has not scored coming off the bench. This will allow the swift Bellamy to come in later in the game if needed when defenders’ legs may be tiring.

Steven Gerrard in the middle; Gerrard on the right. This has been the refrain all season. If he’s on the right, that will mean Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano in central midfield. If Gerrard is in the centre, that will mean Jermaine Pennant starts on the right. Pennant has been playing well in recent weeks, and with him on the right against Chelsea in the second leg of the semi-final, he was part of a team that shut down their powerful attack for two hours. So Rafa will play Gerrard in central midfield with Mascherano and Pennant on the right.

That leaves the trouble spot, left wing. If Bolo Zenden were fit, he would start because he’s an experienced professional, not a great threat to AC Milan but not one who would make mistakes. But he’s likely not going to be fit. Harry Kewell would seem the heir apparent but he has not played in so long that fatigue could be a problem.

Rafa does not want to start someone who will be sagging after 60 minutes and prone to mistakes. So Kewell will be a substitute, coming in late in the match when his mercurial talent might be needed. Mark Gonzales has not found the form many had hoped for him all season, so he will not open the game. That leaves Rafa with only one choice: John Arne Riise on the left, where he played so well against Barcelona.

Finish out the Liverpool team with Steve Finnan, Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger and Alvaro Arbeloa along the back and Pepe Reina in goal, and that is the line-up Benetez will start with…or NOT.

Which Liverpool team would you put out? Post a comment below or submit an article to Sportingo.