Personally i'd start the season by keeping a 4-4-2/4-4-1-1 shape, with Carroll & Suarez up front, Kuyt on the right, Downing on the left, and 2 CMs. Of course this relies on the fitness/availability of a number of players. I'm going off topic here, but i woudn't like to see Dirk dropped. As mybloodisred just mentioned, he and Luis link up brilliantly, i wouldn't like to see that broken up.