As we get closer to the start of 2023/24, Jurgen Klopp’s squad selection could offer more insight into what we’re likely to see when the real business begins.
The Reds meet Leicester in their third friendly of the summer as the team prepare for a big season. The coach announced earlier this week that he won’t be fielding different teams in each half like in Germany.
It means the starting XI against the Foxes could be closer to the side starting at Stamford Bridge on August 13.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the potential permutations and selection issues that Klopp will face as he prepares his side for the opener in Singapore.
Liverpool’s 27-man squad in Singapore
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Kelleher, Adrian, Mrozek
Defenders: Gomez, Van Dijk, Konate, Matip, Quansah, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Tsimikas, Scanlon
Midfielders: Szoboszlai, MacAllister, Jones, Elliott, Clark, McConnell, Frauendorf
Forwards: Diaz, Nunez, Salah, Gakpo, Jota, Doak, Koumas
Possible Eleven Vs. Leicester
Pre-season is usually all about fitness and experimentation, but the manager will no doubt have his eye on the trip to Chelsea in just two weeks.
The midfielder continues to pose a dilemma for him with Jordan Henderson and Fabinho both traveling to Saudi Arabia and with no other confirmed signings yet, the midfield team could still look a bit improvised.
Additionally, the forward line also gives the boss a number of combination options, with Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah playing well together in the early friendlies.
It could just be that Klopp has been trying to split the minutes so far but Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota have also been paired up in both games with the former being used in a deeper role.
It’s still kind of a guessing game at this point, but the Reds could look something like this from the start:
Salah and Nunez get the nod up front while Luis Diaz plays on the left
Trent Alexander-Arnold to return to hybrid role in Conor Bradley’s absence
Gakpo stays in midfield, partly due to lack of options
This would mean the Reds would develop as follows:
Alison; Alexandre-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, MacAllister, Gakpo; Salah, Diaz, Nunez
It’s still early days of course and there’s a chance the manager will want to look into a few other things before the season starts. There will be changes during the match, of course, but there are a number of adjustments Klopp can make on the pitch before the first whistle blows.
Dominik Szoboszlai has traveled with the team and would only be out of Greuther Furth as a precaution, so he could be introduced to this match from the start.
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, MacAllister, Gakpo; Salah, Diaz, Nunez
Obviously it’s still very early days and there’s a good chance the manager will want to look into a few things before the season starts.
There will be changes during the match, of course, but there are a number of adjustments Klopp can make on the pitch before the first whistle blows. Dominik Szoboszlai has traveled with the team and would only be out of Greuther Furth as a precaution, so he could be introduced to this game from the start.
With Liverpool’s defensive midfield options still limited, Klopp may want to look into Mac Allister’s ability to operate in the sixth position, assisted by Alexander-Arnold in the hybrid role.
An alternative lineup might look like this:
Szoboszlai returns to the squad alongside Harvey Elliott in midfield
Gakpo leads the line in front, with Jota next to him on the left
Mac Allister moves to the front of the back four with support from Alexander-Arnold
Here’s what it would look like:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; MacAllister, Elliott, Szoboszlai; Salah, Jota, Gakpo
There could also be opportunities for youngsters at the fixture, with the likes of Ben Doak and Lewis Koumas having impressed for the Reds in Germany.
Lots of football and hard work on the training ground separate Liverpool from opening day of the Premier League, but it will be interesting to see what the squad will be like as they get closer to the start.
Hopefully we will see a positive performance and some good signs to bring to Stamford Bridge!
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