Liverpool predicted XI v Maribor: Young Reds set to shine

DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 05: l25 celebrates scoring their teams second goal during the Pre Season Friendly match between Liverpool and Athletic Club at Aviva Stadium on August 5, 2017 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 05: l25 celebrates scoring their teams second goal during the Pre Season Friendly match between Liverpool and Athletic Club at Aviva Stadium on August 5, 2017 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
(Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

Defenders:

The first decision Klopp will need to make is over center backs. It is likely that Ragnar Klavan will start again after a last-minute introduction on Saturday. Dejan Lovren was injured in the warm up and probably won’t be risked on Wednesday to give him plenty of time to be fit for Saturday. Not that you really want to see him on Saturday… but never mind.

Joel Matip has played every minute of every Premier League and Champions League game this season. He needs a rest especially with our quality and depth at the position at such a low ebb. That may open up the possibility for Joe Gomez to play at center back but Klopp has shown reluctance to pull Gomez inside and make him change positions regularly.

If Klopp is true to form he will start Trent Alexander-Arnold and give Gomez the night off. TAA has started seven games this season and four of those have been in Europe. He started in Slovenia and had an excellent game capping off the evening with the seventh goal of the night, his second for the club.

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At left back I would like to see Andrew Robertson get a game. He finally reappeared in the match day squad on Saturday against Huddersfield after a succession of games missing. Alberto Moreno has certainly made the position his own with his consistent performances but he too could do with a rest and the Scotsman could do with the game experience.