Liverpool will kick off their pre-season with a match against lower league opponents Tranmere Rovers at the Prenton Park on Wednesday.
The Reds finished last season placed 4th in the Premier League and will see the next month as important to the preparations ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League playoff fixture.
Liverpool have made one important transfer already, having signed Mohamed Salah from AS Roma for a club record £36.9million fee and have also brought in Dominic Solanke from Chelsea, following the England youth international’s contract expiry. Having started their pre-season training a week back, Liverpool have most of their players back but are likely to field a young starting XI against Tranmere.
Here’s how Liverpool could take the field at the Prenton Park.
The German shot-stopper endured a poor first season with Liverpool but is likely to be given a chance to redeem himself ahead of the next campaign. Danny Ward has returned to training and may feature for a few minutes in the second period.
The 18-year old right-back had a breakthrough season last time and is high on confidence after signing a second contract extension in the space of 8 months. Expect him to take the right-back slot from the start with Nathaniel Clyne to make an appearance from the bench.
The Cameroonian centre-half was one of the stars for Liverpool last season and will want to kick things off in a similar fashion the coming term as well. Will start in the heart of the defence.
Matip will most likely be partnered by youngster Joe Gomez in the backline. With Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan arriving late for pre-season training, the versatile defender will be given a chance to prove himself.
The veteran midfielder had a strong season playing at left-back last year. With no new arrival as of yet, it is likely that he will start once again, as it is unlikely that Alberto Moreno will be given much playing time, with an exit looming large.
With Jordan Henderson just regaining full fitness, it is unlikely that Klopp would want to risk him immediately. He should be eased into the team, meaning veteran Lucas Leiva would get a nod in the holding midfield role.
With Emre Can away on extended holidays following his Confederations Cup involvement with Germany and Gini Wijnaldum starting training late, Grujic is likely to get a spot in the playing XI.
The 23-year old might be given a chance by Klopp chance to impress, with a number of his key players still yet to return.
Record signing Mohamed Salah will not be able to feature, as he still awaits on his work permit. And with Sadio Mane still yet to make a return to full fitness, youth star Ben Woodburn could be given a run out on the right-side.
Another player who could be set to make his debut for the Reds, Solanke had an impressive run in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, with England U-20 side, who were crowned as the champions. Has been fit and has been training well, and will get an opportunity to make an early impression, with Daniel Sturridge expected to play a role later in the game.
Klopp is likely to provide Ojo a chance to impress, with Ryan Kent also likely to get a few minutes under his belt, after returning from loan.
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