Liverpool have been in top form this summer as they started their preseason friendlies with a one nil win over Tranmere Rovers, followed by the demolition of Fleetwood Town by 5-0 and on Wednesday they secured a 2-0 victory over Huddersfield. Now the Reds will travel to America to play in an all-Premier League clash to face Chelsea in the International Champions Cup at the Rose Bowl in California. After this Liverpool will take on Italian giants AC Milan at Levi’s Stadium on 31st July. New signing Marko Grujic has been in superb form of late, scoring two goals in the last two matches.
Klopp’s arrival led to a change of style and an uptick in fortunes as the club went on to reach the finals of the Capital One Cup and the Europa League before finishing eighth in the Premier League. Klopp led Liverpool to two finals in his six months as manager with a team that he inherited and that just indicates what he can achieve with his own players and his own plans. Although he didn’t succeed in his first year, there were plenty of signs to feel positive about the future. Here is the predicted Liverpool starting XI to face Chelsea.
Goalkeeper: Loris Karius
The 23-year-old keeper hasn’t been troubled much this summer. Following a horrendous mistake against Wigan, he had a very comfortable last match. He will try to utilise these few friendlies to cement his place in Klopp’s starting XI next season.
Defenders: Randall, Lucas, Lovren and Flanagan
Connor Randall has done well in the last few matches, he often gets down the pitch, where sometimes his final ball lets him down. He will slot in at right-back, while Moreno could retain his place on the left after getting on the scoresheet last time with a well-taken penalty. The newly converted Lucas will be expected to start in central defense alongside Dejan Lovren. Although Lovren was the captain against Huddersfield, it was Lucas who leading all the players and encouraging them.
Midfielders: Ejaria, Brannagan, Mane, Grujic and Coutinho
Klopp might start with the young pairing of Ejaria and Brannagan in the central midfielder. Brannagan is seen as the heir to Steven Gerrard and has looked good in the limited opportunities he has got. Grujic scored a beautiful opener against Huddersfield and is looking like a promising prospect for the future, he will start in the number 10 role flanked by Coutinho and Mane on the left and right wing respectively.
Striker: Firmino
Firmino hasn’t been in good touch of late but given his importance to the squad, Klopp would definitely give the Brazilian some more time on the pitch to find his footing. He showed some nice touches in the last match, where he linked up well with his teammates.
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