View: Liverpool predicted XI v Ipswich – Andy Robertson decision made
Arne Slot will name his first Liverpool side in a competitive fixture as his side begins the 2024/25 Premier League campaign against Ipswich on Saturday [17 August].
The Reds rounded off pre-season with two matches on the same day at Anfield on Sunday [11 August] starting with a 4-1 win over Sevilla before a 0-0 draw with Las Palmas.
Slot fielded two completely different sides for the spectacle one significantly stronger than the other, giving away his thoughts on his inherited side ahead of the Premier League curtain raiser.
Liverpool are yet to make a signing this summer but that won’t matter if Slot continues his 100 per cent winning record from the USA into the new competitive season.
Arne Slot to name strong first Liverpool line-up
Alisson picks himself and will be expected to start the season behind the posts for Liverpool despite ongoing speculation regarding his future and the potential arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia [The Times, 14 August].
In defence, Trent Alexander-Arnold will return to his club in his natural position at right-back following an experiment in midfield for England at Euro 2024 with Jarell Quansah lining up alongside him after a string of impressive performances throughout pre-season and, Ibrahima Konate still needing time to get up to match fitness.
Virgil van Dijk will resume his position in the left centre-back spot alongside Andy Robertson despite, playing in the ‘weaker side’ against Las Palmas is now recovered from the injury suffered with Scotland and will replace Kostas Tsimikas.
Ryan Gravenberch will get the nod in the centre of the midfield three as the Reds’ search for a top-level number six continues after Martin Zubimendi opted to stay at Real Sociedad [Sky Sports, 13 August].
Dominik Szoboszlai will start after a poor Euro 2024 display with Hungary, he will need to make his mark for Slot to ensure he keeps his place in the side and Alexis Mac Allister, fresh from Copa America success with Argentina will complete the midfield pairing.
Mohammed Salah alongside Alexander-Arnold and van Dijk is facing question marks surrounding his future at Anfield as he enters the final year of his contract still, the Egyptian will remain one of the first names on the team sheet for the foreseeable.
Darwin Nunez will start the season on the bench, Diogo Jota scored a fantastic goal against Sevilla and joined the side in the USA following his efforts with Portugal and will begin the season as the main striker.
Cody Gakpo enjoyed a fantastic Euro 2024 campaign with the Netherlands playing off the left finishing the tournament as the joint-top goal scorer. Luis Diaz scored a brace against Sevilla and was selected ahead of his Dutch teammate in the ‘stronger side’, he will be hoping to put last season’s troubles behind him.
Liverpool fans will be eager to see their new manager in action for the first time and he should get his first Premier League win against the newly-promoted Ipswich at Portman Road.
In other Liverpool news, Arne Slot puts Liverpool youth players on the chopping block after the decision on Fabio Carvalho.
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