First 11 to start the season

[rurikbird]

What are everybody's thoughts based on what we saw in the pre-season? I know there is still one more game to go, but with it being only 5 days before the start, I suspect we'll see some more fringe players there – the decision who starts against West Ham will be made just about now.

I would go with:

Alisson – don't think he's fully integrated yet, but there is no choice but to take the plunge.

Clyne – simply because Trent won't be ready
Van Dijk – obviously
Klavan – both him and Matip got some small injuries, but I suspect Ragnar will be first to recover.
Robertson – will probably just edge Moreno, who is not far behind based on the pre-season

Fabinho – everything seems simpler when he's on the pitch
Keita – was quiet today, coming back after an injury break but I expect him to be ready and firing at the start of the season
Milner – you simply can't leave him out. Carried his late last season's form all throughout the pre-season, bossing everybody. Hope his head injury is nothing major.

Mane – expect big things from him this season, starting on the left flank, but drifting into the #10 role
Firmino – won't last 90 minutes, but he's too integral to our play not to start
Salah – obviously

Subs: Karius, Gomez (covering for both RB and CB), Moreno, Wijnaldum, Lallana, Shaqiri, Sturridge

 

[Hansern]

Agreed with nearly everything, but I think Gomez will start instead of Klavan

 

[Oncy]

Yeah I reckon that will do.
Maybe Shaqiri before Milner.

 

[Modo]

15 stitches for Milner...can't see him playing.

 

[rurikbird]

Yeah I reckon that will do.
Maybe Shaqiri before Milner.

Starting CM with 2 players who are brand-new to the league? I wouldn't do that. Shaqiri will get plenty of minutes anyway, I think Firmino will last 60 mins max.

 

[dantes]

15 stitches for Milner...can't see him playing.

A bandage is all it needs. Even that shouldn't be beyond our medical team. Hmmm oh fuck, Milner is too young to die, thoughts and prayers.

 

[JurgenKlopp]

Alisson

Clyne Gomez VVD Robertson

Keita Fabinho Milner

Salah Firmino Mane

Karius
Sturridge
Klavern
Shaqiri
Gini
Moreno
Solanke

I reckon Trent will miss this one as will Hendo and lovern. They will be back in at the expense of Klavern, moreno and solanke in the squad in the week or two after the west ham game

 

[RedStar]

If Milner is fit he starts but if doesnt make it then I reckon Gini gets the nod for midfield alongside Keita and Fabinho. I cant see Klopp starting with a midfield 3 who have never played a competitive game for us. I also think Clyne starts over TAA and Gomez over Klavan.

 

[Frogfish]

15 stitches in a head wound ? No way is Milner starting. Don't see Klavan up to pace since he's been injured. Others obviously way off the pace and that includes Firmino who Klopp just said barely made it to 45 mins.

Based on those that look ready :

---------------Allison--------------------
Clyne---Gomez---VVD--Robertson (maybe)
----------------Robinho
----------Keita------Gini
Salah--------Shaqiri-------Mane

 

[juniormember]

As if Shakiri’s going to play up top!
It’ll be Solanke or Sturridge.

 

[rurikbird]

As if Shakiri’s going to play up top!
It’ll be Solanke or Sturridge.

He did in the 2nd half today though – before Mane and Salah were substituted. Clearly an option for Klopp, he has his own unconventional way of thinking about player positions.

But I'm sure Bobby will start against West Ham. He looked sharp, just ran out of gas (and was under strict orders to play no more than 45). I think he'll play 60 mins and then it will be Shaqiri or Sturridge's turn to show what they can do.

 

[Frogfish]

As if Shakiri’s going to play up top!
It’ll be Solanke or Sturridge.

See Rurik's answer. The nearest we have to a Firmino replacement. I wouldn't mind Studge starting.

 

[juniormember]

I just can’t see it happening from the start of the first game. Stranger things have happened I suppose.

 

[Rafiagra]

Sturridge has to start given his current form Gomez will too.

Gutting about Milner but expect Gini to come in for him.

 

[Fabio]

I just can’t see it happening from the start of the first game. Stranger things have happened I suppose.

His hold up play and passing ability are top notch. He could (in theory) thrive in a false 9

 

[Red Bird]

On current form, I can't see Robertson starting ahead of Moreno. I also think we'll be slightly more cautious and unlikely to start with both Fabinho and Keita.

More exciting is the presence of Shaqiri and Sturridge as attacking options off the bench.

 

[Fabio]

On current form, I can't see Robertson starting ahead of Moreno.

....really?

 

[Red Bird]

Yeah. Not much in it, I admit, but Robertson still looks short.

 

[JurgenKlopp]

On current form, I can't see Robertson starting ahead of Moreno. I also think we'll be slightly more cautious and unlikely to start with both Fabinho and Keita.

More exciting is the presence of Shaqiri and Sturridge as attacking options off the bench.

Fabinho and keita is not cautious, fab is a DM and keita is more attack minded.

 

[JurgenKlopp]

....really?

This. Moreno will not be starting

 

[MomoWASright]

Yeah. Not much in it, I admit, but Robertson still looks short.

He’s still taller than Moreno.

 

[Red Bird]

He’s still taller than Moreno.

Tee hee hee!

 

[Molbystwin]

Alisson
Clyne
VVD
Gomez
Robertson
Fabinho
Keita
Milly ( it’s just a scratch) (c)
Salah
Studge
Mane

Subs... we got loads... probly some of the lads who haven’t had the minutes yet.

It’s also a worth pointing out the fucking hell we are looking very very very nifty in pre season....

It would be silly to,say we are gonna win it tho eh... just silly... but... either way... we look nifty...

 

[Mystic]

I've got a gut feeling that Wijnaldum will get the nod over Fabinho.

 

[Molbystwin]

I've got a gut feeling that Wijnaldum will get the nod over Fabinho.

It wouldn’t upset me in any way...

That’s something which has been nice to see actually, the fact that with Klopps persistent use of rotation we have approached the game as a squad game not a team game and now we have a pretty deep squad ALL players look involved...

We’ve bought well and the squad is looking really positive, I’m excited going into this season.

 

[MomoWASright]

Bar the keeper we could theoretically have a situation where a player has 2 starts one bench every 3 games. Keeping everyone fresh and involved.

 

[Markeh]

Only doubt imo is Firmino and if it's not him does Klopp go with Sturridge or something involving Shaqiri?