Premier League holders Liverpool will square off against last season’s FA Cup winners Arsenal in the Community Shield on Saturday, and the Reds will hope to add some more silverware before they begin their League campaign next month.
Liverpool have had a good pre-season run-out in Austria, beating VfL Stuttgart, and drawing against a competitive Red Bull Salzburg side, and will hope to get closer to full match-fitness against Arsenal.
Jurgen Klopp has made just one summer signing so far, in Kostas Tsimikas, and the Greek full-back has played in both the friendlies.
Liverpool Team News
Barring Virgil van Dijk picked up a nasty injury against Salzburg as he had to come off the pitch with a gash on his forehead. He is expected to return for the clash against Arsenal.
Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold have not featured in the two games, and are not expected to start against Arsenal on Saturday.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain picked up a knock in training, and won’t be available to face his former side either. Here is how Liverpool might line up for the game:
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Arsenal
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker should take his place in the Liverpool goal as usual. The Liverpool fans will hope that the Brazilian is fit throughout the 2020-21 campaign.
Defence
Van Dijk and Joe Gomez are expected to start at the heart of the defence, and duo could be Klopp’s preferred defensive pairing for the season.
Joel Matip will provide an additional option, and we could see the club sign another centre-back before the transfer window closes as they are yet to replace the departed Dejan Lovren.
Neco Williams is expected to play at right-back in Alexander-Arnold’s absence, While Andy Robertson should take his place at left-back in the Liverpool lineup.
Midfield
Fabinho is yet to find his rhythm, as he was often caught on his heels by the Salzburg press in the first half of the game on Tuesday. The Brazilian is expected to start nevertheless, and Klopp will hope the midfielder gets up to speed soon.
With Henderson unavailable, Gini Wijnaldum is expected to start beside Fabinho, and Naby Keita could play the more attacking role and complete the midfield three.
Keita impressed in the two pre-season games, and the Liverpool fans will hope the former Leipzig man can stay injury-free. He was perhaps Liverpool’s best player in the period after the league resumed a couple of months ago, and will look to carry that form on to next season.
Attack
No real changes here as Roberto Firmino should play as the centre-forward. The Brazilian will be supported by Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, who could play as the inside forwards, or wingers. Rhian Brewster has impressed in pre-season so far, and he could get a few minutes off the bench.
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