Liverpool begin their Arne Slot era in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off when they travel to newly promoted Ipswich Town.
The Reds said an emotional goodbye to former boss Jurgen Klopp at the end of the 2023/24 campaign but are hoping to kick on under their new Dutch head coach, with Champions League football secured with a finish of third last season.
However, first on their agenda is a trip to Portman Road to take on Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys, who came up from the Championship after finishing second.
Here’s the predicted Liverpool lineup for the Saturday lunchtime kick-off.
GK: Alisson – Liverpool are said to be seriously considering a move for Euro 2024 star Giorgi Mamardashvili, but the Georgian would be sent out on loan and isn’t going to replace Alisson in the starting lineup any time soon.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – The England international was a lightning rod for criticism of the Three Lions during the summer but should get back to bagging bucket-loads of assists from right-back for Liverpool.
CB: Jarell Quansah – 21-year-old Quansah enjoyed a breakout 2023/24 campaign, only a season after playing for Bristol Rovers in League One, and could beat Ibrahima Konate to a spot in central defence.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – The captain will remain a key figure under Slot’s management but recently urged the club to make new signings as he enters the final 12 months of his career.
LB: Andy Robertson – The Scotsman has endured an injury-hit summer but did get an hour in the goalless draw with Las Palmas at the weekend. If he’s not ready for the start of the Premier League, Kostas Tsimikas will get the nod instead.
CM: Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool’s failed pursuit for a new number six has opened up an opportunity for Gravenberch to nail down a regular place in midfield. He’ll want more Premier League starts than the 12 he managed last season.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister – The Argentine undoubtedly shone in more advanced areas during his debut season at Anfield but can play equally well in a deeper role. His industry will be required in the middle of the park but expect Mac Allister to bomb forward when he sense the opportunity.
RW: Mohamed Salah – Like Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk, Salah is entering the final season of his Liverpool contract. While not at his blistering best in 2023/24, the Egyptian still bagged 18 league goals.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai – A more attacking-minded midfielder, Szoboszlai enjoyed a hot start to his Liverpool career but got sloppy as last term dragged on. He still has plenty to prove but the quality to shine more regularly in England is certainly there.
LW: Luis Diaz – Was very surprisingly linked with a move to Manchester City but those rumours were quickly dashed. His high-energy approach should help the Colombian shine under Slot.
ST: Diogo Jota – It was Jota who looked sharpest for Liverpool in their two pre-season friendlies on Sunday, scoring twice against Sevilla, and those goals could help the Portugal international get the nod over Darwin Nunez up front.
