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English Premier League: How will Liverpool line up for opening EPL game?

By Shanith de Mel

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates with Sadio Mane of Liverpool after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield on May 13, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates with Sadio Mane of Liverpool after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield on May 13, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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After a frenzied transfer window with over 180 million pounds of spending, Liverpool look to their opening fixture vs. West Ham on August 12th.

In what promises to be a defining season for Klopp’s men, they’ll be looking for a title-tilt. However, a potential banana-peel match against big spenders West Ham is up first for the Reds. Here’s how we think Liverpool are likely to line-up come the hotly anticipated date of August 12th.

Liverpool Formation: 4-3-3

Unlikely to be changed after Klopp enjoyed much success with it last season. His forays into the transfer market also indicate his intentions of a similar style of play as last season.

Goalkeeper: Alisson/Loris Karius

New signing Alisson Becker, signed from Roma for a world-record fee of 67 million, is the clear favourite and rightly so. He is Brazil’s number 1 and a reliable and commanding presence at the back, unlike the erratic Karius. However, following his world cup exploits and a long season, he will be rested for 2 weeks. With only 2 games between his return to Anfield and West Ham, it may come a little too early for the Brazilian. Nevertheless, Karius’ antics means Alisson is the clear favourite to start between the sticks.

Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, van Dijk, Lovren, Robertson

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After years of erratic performances, Liverpool finally have a defence their fans can have confidence in. The fullbacks are dynamic in attack and stoic in defence, and have been great outlets in Klopp’s system. Van Dijk is a leader in central defence, and as the world’s most expensive defender, a frontrunner to start. Lovren has come in leaps and bounds since previous years and as a dual-finalist in the UCL and World Cup, is a formidable defender. Like with Alisson however, this game may potentially be too early for him- in which case Matip should take his spot.

Midfielders: Keita, Fabinho, Henderson

New signings Keita and Fabinho are locked-in for starts come August, and will be raring to go. Following the Ox’s injury and Can’s departure, they are certain starters for Liverpool, and will slot in alongside captain Henderson. The highly rigid, defensive midfield duo of Fabinho and Henderson will allow Keita to roam free in a box-to-box capacity. The Guinean should profit from this – as he showed to great effect at RB Leipzig.

Next: 5 things to watch in Bournemouth’s 2018-19 season

Forwards: Salah, Firmino, Mane

Could it really be anyone else? They were arguably the most lethal and feared front three last season in England – if not Europe. In talisman Salah and dynamo Mane, Liverpool possess two of the best wingers in the game, while Firmino does his nominal striking role to perfection.

With Shaqiri signed as an able back-up, this will be a tough game for West Ham’s patched up defence. Lukasz Fabianski, Angelo Ogbonna and co will be having a sleepless night on August 11th at the prospect of facing this trio.

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