Jurgen Klopp will begin his first full season in charge of Liverpool on Sunday when his team takes on Arsenal at the Emirates stadium. The Reds have had mixed results this summer, with defeats against Chelsea and Mainz and wins against Barcelona. Klopp will be hoping to improve on the 8th place finish from last season after getting a full preseason under his belt and a host of quality players including the likes of Sadio Mane, Wijnaldum, and Matip. However, the key to Liverpool’s success next season is going to be the performance of Coutinho, Sturridge, and Firmino.
There are concerns regarding the fitness of a few players like Mamadou Sakho, Lucas Leiva, Joe Gomez and Loris Karius but the German manager should have enough ammunition left in the squad to put out a strong starting XI against Arsenal. Arsenal are unbeaten this summer and will be tough to beat at home, therefore Klopp must make sure his players are ready for the encounter on Sunday. With both defenses looking pretty short right now, it will be the attacking players who are likely to have a huge say in the outcome of the match. Here is a predicted Liverpool starting XI that Klopp might opt for.
Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet
Mignolet struggled last season, forcing Klopp into bringing Loris Karius from Mainz this summer. However the German keeper is out injured therefore, Mignolet is guaranteed to start the season as the first choice.
Defenders: Ragnar Klavan, Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne and Alberto Moreno
Reds are facing a somewhat of an injury crisis at the back. New signing Klavan is most likely to start in central defense alongside fit-again Dejan Lovren. Joel Matip is on the path to recovery after suffering an ankle injury. Clyne will be expected to keep hold of his position at right-back, the English international was very solid last season and is one of the first names on the team sheet. Liverpool have searched for a left-back all season but with no other options in the squad following James Milner’s injury, Alberto Moreno is most likely to start on the left side against Arsenal.
Midfielders: Wijnaldum, Can, Lallana, Sadio Mane and Coutinho
Jurgen Klopp has a host of quality players, he can use to try out different systems. On Sunday, he might go with big money signing Wijnaldum in central midfield alongside Emre Can. The German was one of the standout players for the Reds last season. In front of them will be Lallana operating in the number 10 role, with Mane on the right wing and Coutinho on the left. Mane has arrived with a lot of fanfare and will be under strong pressure to get going as soon as possible.
Striker: Firmino
There are doubts regarding the fitness of Sturridge, therefore Klopp might opt for Firmino on Sunday over Origi and Benteke. The Brazilian attacker has done well up front whenever positioned there this summer.