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Ian Doyle – Naby Keita Begins
The Premier League is back, about five minutes after last season ended.
And with little change to Liverpool’s first-team squad in the meantime, expect much of the same again when Leeds United come to call on Saturday night.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold in shape, the defense is the usual four defenders with Alisson Becker between the sticks.
Joel Matip’s availability gives Jurgen Klopp options, but it’s too early to start.
The three forwards are, well, the three forwards, although Takumi Minamino is bringing them closer now.
That leaves the midfield.
There’s little point in rushing Jordan Henderson to the side, so Fabinho and Gini Wijnaldum can get started.
Which leaves a position between old Leeds kid James Milner and fit Naby Keita.
Sorry, James. Not this time.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gómez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane.
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Paul Gorst – James Milner Begins
Thus begins Liverpool’s first title defense since 1990, and what better way to start than with a visit from another team of champions at Leeds United by Marcelo Bielsa.
Jurgen Klopp’s options at the back are pretty slim and the big debate centers on the middle of the back four and who Virgil van Dijk’s partner is.
Joel Matip and Joe Gomez will be great rivals in that regard this season, but I’m going to stick with the England international for now.
Get the lowdown on Marcelo Bielsa, Ben White and Leeds United on the Behind Enemy Lines podcast by clicking HERE
Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson naturally round out those five seconds before thoughts turn to midfield.
Jordan Henderson is taking no chances for me and while it is a huge loss, I think Liverpool have enough to overcome the threat of the newly promoted team.
Fabinho and Gini Wijnaldum are in and there is also a place for James Milner as I think he will be desperate to perform against his childhood club.
There are no hits above. They are Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gómez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Milner; Salah, Mane, Firmino.
Theo Squires – Gini Wijnaldum Partners with Naby Keita
It seems like yesterday we were debating who Jurgen Klopp should start for Liverpool’s title showdown as they marched towards the Premier League title, with two players in particular causing the most debate.
Takumi Minamino and Naby Keita.
Now, after a promising preseason, I think there is no debate. The duo has to start.
The Japan international really impressed me in that No. 10 role against Blackpool last weekend with the top three in their traditional positions, so I’d like to see Klopp stick with that setup.
Meanwhile, in midfield, I don’t think Jordan Henderson should take a chance early on, while Fabinho has looked quite rusty in the preseason, which means that Gini Wijnaldum may ignore speculation about his future as Keita’s teammate in the middle. .
And, as always, the last five is chosen alone. Hopefully Alisson doesn’t get injured on opening day this year, please!
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gómez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Keita, Wijnaldum; Salah, Minamino, Mane; Firmino.
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Caoimhe O’Neill – Fabinho out and Takumi Minamino in
Here we go again, the Champions of England is back in action.
It’s going to be a tough opening match against a motivated Leeds United, but I’m betting on Liverpool to win.
Alisson, of course, is in goal. Virgil van Dijk is the leader in the back with Joe Gomez for company. I wouldn’t be hugely surprised if Joel Matip won the draw with Van Dijk, but I give the go-ahead to English.
Side royalty Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson return to their side thrones.
Meanwhile, the midfield, as always, presents an enigma for Jurgen Klopp. For me, James Milner must start against his old club with Jordan Henderson to gain minutes in the second half.
Fabinho looked rusty against Blackpool and gets a bit lost here with Naby Keita and Takumi Minamino called into action after both put on a solid preseason performance.
The Japanese international will dazzle behind a three striker made up of the usual scorers; Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Robertson, Van Dijk, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold; Keita, Milner; Minamino; Mane, Firmino; Salah.
* Do you play Fantasy Premier League? Do you stand behind yourself to use your chips in the right match weeks and catch your captain every time? Now is your chance to prove it and win some prizes in the process.
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