Rush The Kop
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The far too early Liverpool starting XI prediction

By Chris Martin

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JULY 25: Mohammed Salah #11 of Liverpool celebrates his goal against Manchester City during their match at MetLife Stadium on July 25, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JULY 25: Mohammed Salah #11 of Liverpool celebrates his goal against Manchester City during their match at MetLife Stadium on July 25, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – JULY 25: Nathaniel Clyne #2 of Liverpool moves upfield from Jack Harrison #38 of Manchester City during their match at MetLife Stadium on July 25, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – JULY 25: Nathaniel Clyne #2 of Liverpool moves upfield from Jack Harrison #38 of Manchester City during their match at MetLife Stadium on July 25, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /

Defense

Clyne, Gomez, van Dijk, Robertson

This is an area that sparks a lot more questions. Injuries and lack of pre-season fitness means that the Reds are forced into changes. Klopp has a few options, but given recent events this selection appears the most likely.

The first game likely comes a touch too early for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who only returned to training after Liverpool returned from the US. Nathaniel Clyne has looked back to his old self in recent appearances and is a solid deputy ready to push for a regular starting spot.

Similar to the young right back, Dejan Lovren is also not yet in a place where he is ready for competitive games. With Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan nursing minor injuries, Joe Gomez looks set to be the first to stake his claim to be van Dijk’s partner this year.

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