Liverpool predicted lineup vs Karlsruher - Pre-season friendly
- First of five friendlies for Liverpool this summer
- New signings Alexis Mac Allister & Dominik Szoboszlai could play
- Jordan Henderson is in the squad but Fabinho has been left at home
By Tom Gott
Jurgen Klopp will hope that Liverpool can maintain their momentum from last season when they get this summer's exploits underway against Karlsruher on Wednesday.
The midfield rebuild has ended up being bigger than anybody expected, with new signings Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai both in line to play here, but Klopp will make do without Fabinho as the Brazilian has been left at home to negotiate his shock move to Saudi Arabia.
Here's how the boss could set up for this one.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Karlsruher (4-3-3)
GK: Alisson - A finger injury earlier this summer is only thought to have been minor, leaving Alisson fit to kick off proceedings.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold - The position Alexander-Arnold takes up in this game will tell us a whole lot about what we can expect from Liverpool this season.
CB: Ibrahima Konate - Liverpool are chasing another centre-back so Konate may need some big showings this summer to ensure his place doesn't come under threat.
CB: Virgil van Dijk - One player whose place is definitely not under threat, Van Dijk will hope to get this season off to a better start than 2022/23.
LB: Andy Robertson - Perhaps the biggest victim of the Alexander-Arnold tactical switch, Roberton will be glad to have more time to get to grips with things.
DM: Stefan Bajcetic - For the first time since March, Bajcetic should be out on the pitch. A good performance here will ensure fans forget about Fabinho's situation very quickly.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister - Now known as Gary, Mac Allister is in for his unofficial debut as a Red.
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai - Whether Szoboszlai plays as a midfielder or a winger is up in the air but the Hungary international should be used centrally while uncertainty surrounding Jordan Henderson's future remains.
RW: Mohamed Salah - Salah ended last season on a tear and will hope to carry that momentum over into the new campaign.
ST: Darwin Nunez - His switch to the number 9 shirt may suggest Nunez's future is central, although Cody Gakpo may have something to say about that.
LW: Luis Diaz - One of many left-sided attackers who need minutes this summer, Diaz will have to share his time with Nunez, Gakpo and Diogo Jota.
READ THE LATEST LIVERPOOL NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
feed