Provisional XI for Arsenal....

[The Nomad]

-----------------Ming (ffs)--------------
Clyne---Ragnar---Lovren----Milner
-----------------Grujic-------------------
----------Gini------Henderson--------
------Mane-------------Coutinho--------
----------------Sturridge-------------------

Firmino
Origi
Can

Will be the three subs to be used unless there is an injury

Matip would have played if he had played the last 3/4 games - But I don't think he'll throw both Matip and Grujic in vs such opposition both coming back off knocks.

 

[Red Astaire]

Yep I'll go along with this^^^ Ragnar is going to be epic for us I reckon.

 

[manwithnoname]

Why wouldn't Can play?

I'd expect him to start over Grujic. And I'd be a little bit surprised if Firmino didn't play, although there is quite a bit of competition

 

[The Nomad]

Why wouldn't Can play?

I'd expect him to start over Grujic. And I'd be a little bit surprised if Firmino didn't play, although there is quite a bit of competition

I just feel that Grujic has done enough in pre-season to earn a start. It'd be a toss up between him and Can, and I expect one will replace the other around 60-70 minute mark anyway. Could go either way though. If I'm honest, I'd rather Can started instead of Henderson, allowing Grujic a more roaming role, but it's not going to happen.

Firmino again, good pre-season but with Mane bought, I can't see him starting. Sturridge is a natural finisher so I expect him to get the nod up front replaced by Origi.

 

[Hyena]

There's no way Grujic is going to start against Arsenal!

He's nowhere near ready yet. Let's sub him on against some lesser PL opposition and see how he copes...

 

[Frogfish]

I just feel that Grujic has done enough in pre-season to earn a start. It'd be a toss up between him and Can, and I expect one will replace the other around 60-70 minute mark anyway. Could go either way though. If I'm honest, I'd rather Can started instead of Henderson, allowing Grujic a more roaming role, but it's not going to happen.

Firmino again, good pre-season but with Mane bought, I can't see him starting. Sturridge is a natural finisher so I expect him to get the nod up front replaced by Origi.

Grujic has done nothing against any team of note to start over Can/Henderson or Milner.

Can will start, absolute certainty and Klopp has already said Matip will be ready for Arsenal and I'm sure he will be in the starting lineup. Lovren or Ragnar is still up in the air after neither distinguished themselves vs. Roma.
Last two friendlies will be key for one of those two to book his place alongside Matip.

Henderson will be another cert starter. The main question marks are who will start in the front 4 (assuming 4-2-3-1) or front 3 if a more defensive minded 4-3-3.

 

[binomial]

Our midfield is fucking terrible.

Gini is not a central midfielder, Henderson is beyond terrible....Lucas and Allen sold, Milner likely to play LB because he's our only decent player that can play there.

Can is good but he can't intercept for shit, please Klopp buy a DM.

 

[moron]

Our midfield is fucking terrible.

Gini is not a central midfielder, Henderson is beyond terrible....Lucas and Allen sold, Milner likely to play LB because he's our only decent player that can play there.

Can is good but he can't intercept for shit, please Klopp buy a DM.

No faith then ? .... in anything ?

 

[binomial]

No faith then ? .... in anything ?

We just don't seem to click as well as a team.

We haven't found the right balance or structure for our game play....we look like we will struggle this season but in the end it all comes down to what we want to achieve...if that's top 4 then it's not happening.

 

[manwithnoname]

We just don't seem to click as well as a team.

We haven't found the right balance or structure for our game play....we look like we will struggle this season but in the end it all comes down to what we want to achieve...if that's top 4 then it's not happening.

It's a bit early to come to that conclusion after a few weeks of pre-season in which half the squad haven't played and trained together very much

 

[Kay Age El]

.....................Ming...........................

Clyne.....Ragnar.....Lovren...Moreno

..................Gigi........Can...............

Firmino..........Coutinho..........Mané

..................Sturridge......................

Henderson probably should play and Milner could sub for Moreno.

Selection headache.

 

[keniget]

I can sympathize to a degree with the sentiment. Bar Mane, there is an argument to be made that we have bought more of what we already had. To borrow a phrase from Rafa's time - it's good to have possibilities but we need more certainties.

 

[Arn]

-------------------------------Ming----------------------
Clyne-----------Matip---------------Lovren--------Moreno
-----------------------------Can------------
--------------Wijnaldum------------Milner-----------
----------Firmino------------Origi---------Coutinho--------

We need Milner to help Moreno on the left. Henderson maybe instead of Wijnaldum. I think that Origi will be first choice striker.

 

[beejay]

My guess is that Henderson Origi and Firmino will start. Probably Mane and Coutinho as well but the last position in midfield is between Can, Milner and Wijnaldum

 

[binomial]

100% start origi

For me he's the spark in our attack, the rest are very meh...you never quite know what you're going to get from firmino coutinho lallana or markovic....no point doing stepovers, dummies, flicks and rabonas if it comes to nothing.

Our best team trait is when we're pressing and winning the ball back in dangerous positions because we look clueless when we have the ball.

 

[ibromurph]

-------------------------------Mignolet----------------------
Clyne-----------Matip---------------Lovren--------Moreno/New LB?
-----------------------------Can------------
--------------Wijnaldum------------Henderson-----------
----------Mane------------Origi---------Coutinho--------

I like Origi more in away games as he's willing to do more running and is getting better at holding the ball up. I also think he can become our most complete CF (and one of the best in the league) as he's got the pace, the height, the skill (used to play on the wing), and is growing in physical 'man' strength now. What I questioned when he joined was the intelligence in his movement and his finishing. Klopp has worked on the former and Origi has proven surprisingly cool in front of goal. I'm not sure whether this year will be his breakout year, but I certainly see him getting a lot of starts this year.

I think Sturridge's skill and trickery will be (better) used against teams that sit back and defend deep (especially at home).

 

[LarryHagman]

My guess:

Mong

Clyne
Matip
Lovren
Moreno

Milner
Can
Dutch chap

Mane
Origi
Coutinho

 

[Ryan]

I don't share the same certainty that Wijnaldum will start.

Seems like a 4-2-3-1 to me, with Hendo and Can in the midfield 2.

 

[Hyena]

Mignolet
Clyne - Ragnar* - Lovren - Milner
Hendo - Can
Mane - Firmino - Coutinho
Origi


The back six are the safest option, at the moment.
Coutinho seems a favourite, and Origi and Firmino have the edge for their pressing ability.

*unless Matip is fit for Barca

 

[Frogfish]

.....................Ming...........................

Clyne.....Ragnar.....Lovren...Moreno

..................Gigi........Can...............

Firmino..........Coutinho..........Mané

..................Sturridge......................

Henderson probably should play and Milner could sub for Moreno.

Selection headache.

I really don't get why people are putting Wijnaldum as CM alongside Can. Last season he mainly played as LM (winger) or #10. He's an attacking player not a defensive or pass-master midfielder. And why Mane on the left when he's a right winger ?
Yes, I know Klopp played Gigi there in one pre-season game but I'm assuming that was more because he just wanted him and certain other players on the pitch at the same time.

 

[rurikbird]

I don't share the same certainty that Wijnaldum will start.

Seems like a 4-2-3-1 to me, with Hendo and Can in the midfield 2.

I would be surprised if he does. He is a bit behind others on fitness and in terms of integrating into the team - someone like Mane played all pre-season while Wijnaldum only got 2 run-outs and it was not in his favored position. He will help us during the season, but I don't think he starts vs Arsenal.

Agree on 4-2-3-1 with Can and Hendo in the middle. If there are no more injuries (fingers crossed), I recon we will see Origi up front and the AM 3 of Coutinho, Sturridge (yes, for me he is more of an AM than a striker) and Mane. Firmino to miss out.

 

[Kay Age El]

I really don't get why people are putting Wijnaldum as CM alongside Can. Last season he mainly played as LM (winger) or #10. He's an attacking player not a defensive or pass-master midfielder. And why Mane on the left when he's a right winger ?
Yes, I know Klopp played Gigi there in one pre-season game but I'm assuming that was more because he just wanted him and certain other players on the pitch at the same time.

Yeah you prob right I just picked the players I want to see out there the most I guess..

 

[jan]

Mignolet
Clyne - Ragnar* - Lovren - Milner
Hendo - Can
Mane - Firmino - Coutinho
Origi


The back six are the safest option, at the moment.
Coutinho seems a favourite, and Origi and Firmino have the edge for their pressing ability.

*unless Matip is fit for Barca

I think this will be the team, with Lovren right and Ragnar left though. Maybe Sturridge for Origi, but it looks like Origi has more of a chance at the moment.

 

[mark1975]

I think Mane will start because we could use his pace on the break, that said you have to wager that Coutinho, Origi and Firmino will all start, so it's difficult really. Do we go with what we already have and hope that an improved defensive line will prove to be the difference this time?

-----------------Ming-------------------
Clyne----Lovren--Ragner--??????
----------Hendo---Can---------------
--Mane------Firmino------Coutinho
---------------Origi---------------------

It's a bit too early for Grujic and Matip, due to injury and still getting accustomed to the league, while Wijnaldum doesn't look up to speed yet.

 

[Judge Jules]

Bit harsh on Ragnar, picking Karius as an outfield player ahead of him. 😉

 

[mark1975]

Bit harsh on Ragnar, picking Karius as an outfield player ahead of him. 😉

Pesky foreigners. They're all the same!

 

[manwithnoname]

I'm quite surprised at the amount of posters who seem very confident that Origi will start over Sturridge

 

[mark1975]

I'm quite surprised at the amount of posters who seem very confident that Origi will start over Sturridge

It's an away game, we need someone who's going to work their bollocks off and do the donkey work and give them a hard time. I'm a huge Sturridge fan, but horses for courses. I'm surprised you've written Origi off so eagerly, he can look a tremendous player. First game back the other day and he looked more dangerous than any of our attackers have during preseason.

 

[Frogfish]

t's a bit too early for Grujic and Matip, due to injury and still getting accustomed to the league, while Wijnaldum doesn't look up to speed yet.

Klopp said Matip will definitely be ready for Arsenal. I'm 99% certain he is Klopp's #1 CB and he'll get a run out to prove his fitness vs. Barca or Mainz.

So Matip and Lovren or Matip and Ragnar ? I'd go with Ragnar.

Up front I agree with Brendan ... Sturridge should start though I'd expect to see Origi come on at some time.

 

[Woland]

Yep. This is Origi's year. He was a different player in that month before he got injured... went from looking hopeless at the start of the season, to promising but with no end product, to looking likely to score given half a chance. I mean that month he scored against Dortmund in both games, against Everton, two against Stoke... he was on fire, not only because he's started scoring for fun but coz of his pace and work off the ball too. His control is great too... I'd start him. This time last year I thought he was doomed, but he's fully boss now, as demonstrated with that goal against Milan.