Liverpool were touted as one of the favourites to win the Premier League last season, but in the end, they just about managed to drag themselves into the top-four.
This time around, the hopes are far lower which is why Jurgen Klopp’s side will have a point to prove when his side face Norwich City in the opening weekend.
Liverpool have had a really muted summer transfer window but their manager has hinted that the club are trying to bring in some new faces before deadline day. But as things stand, the German will once again have to rely on his old war-horses to pull the rabbit out of the hat.
The Anfield outfit had a pretty solid pre-season campaign but several of their first-team players have joined late due to an extended break. This means the manager might have to rely on some fringe players this weekend. But above all, the return of defenders such as Van Dijk, Gomez and Joel Matip will be a big boost for the manager.
Liverpool team news vs Norwich City:
Van Dijk is back to full fitness so he is an obvious choice in central defence this weekend. Ibrahima Konate is the only major summer signing so far and since has gotten a lot of time to sync with his new teammates, the defender is likely to pair up with Van Dijk.
Andy Robertson faces a few weeks on the sidelines with a ligament injury so Konstantinos Tsimikas is going to replace him on the left-hand side of defence.
Jordan Henderson was involved with England in the European Championship so he might not be a 100% fit to start on Saturday. If Hendo is not ready then Naby Keita will most probably get to feature vs Norwich.
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Curtis Jones might not recover in time to feature in the matchday squad either so selecting and rotating the midfielders could be an issue for the manager.
Fabinho will reprise his role in defensive midfield while Thiago will play a bit further up front.
Diogo Jota made a great case for himself last season but we don’t think Jurgen Klopp is going to hand him a start this weekend. The Liverpool manager will once again rely on the trio of Firmino, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane to do the magic in the final third.
Liverpool’s predicted line-up vs Norwich;
Possible Starting XI(4-3-3): Alisson; Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Alexander-Arnold, Tsimikas; Fabinho, Thiago, Naby Keita; Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino.
Injury updates via Premier Injuries.
