Predicted Liverpool XI to play Norwich: £35m ace in as Klopp leaves out transfer-listed duo

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The start to the Premier League season is around the corner, but how will Liverpool line-up this weekend.

We take a look at what we think will be the Reds’ first starting XI of the new campaign.

Konate in line for competitive debut

In goal, there is no competition. Alisson has been number one since he arrived at the club way back in 2018.

Expect the same with Trent Alexander-Arnold continuing to dominate down the right. The full-back scored the winner versus Aston Villa in what was a massive win in the hunt for Champions League football.

But his partner in crime Andy Robertson will miss the game with minor ligament damage. He should be replaced by Konstantinos Tsimikas in what would be a rare start for the Greek.

The centre of defence is where it starts to get tasty.

Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez have made their returns from long-term injuries. As a result, they could be in line to feature, but expecting them to start would be a stretch.

£35m signing Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip should be the opening day pairing.

Midfield and attack will always remain the same

It is the bread and butter of what Jurgen Klopp has done since he arrived at the club.

The midfield is the most crucial aspect of the German’s game plan, so expect zero change and the manager to go as strong as possible.

Thiago, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho are in line for starts after Gini Wijnaldum departed earlier in the window.

Meanwhile, in attack, the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri is close to leaving Anfield, while Divock Origi is up for sale. Couple that with the lack of any sort of attacking reinforcement and you can guess the starting forwards.

It would be quite the shock if any of the ever-reliable trio Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane didn’t start.

Liverpool predicted XI vs Norwich (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Konate, Robertson; Thiago, Henderson, Fabinho; Salah, Firmino, Mane