The countdown to Liverpool’s opening game of the season is well underway. Summer plans are in place for the club to strengthen in the positions that they need to, in order to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title. The 2020-21 season didn’t go according to plan, but Jurgen Klopp could have a fully fit squad for the opening game of the new season.
For the second time in three seasons, Liverpool will open the campaign with a fixture against Norwich City, which the Reds will go into as the favourites with Betway. Customers looking to make bets on the game can do so with the Betway app, but which players could be in the best position to start the opening day clash?
Goalkeeper & Defence
There are no prizes for guessing who will be Liverpool’s number one throughout the 2021-22 season, as Alisson Becker was one of the standout performers once again last season. The Brazilian also had a hand in the Reds achieving their top-four finish, as his late winner against West Bromwich Albion put Liverpool into the commanding position.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced to miss the EUROs through injury, but will likely be fit enough to start on the opening day of the season. Virgil van Dijk will hopefully be back to start the season, and he could be joined in the back two by new arrival Ibrahima Konate. The Frenchman officially arrives at the club in a £36 million deal from RB Leipzig on the 1st July, and could be the commanding presence that the Reds need alongside van Dijk. Andrew Robertson will start at left-back on the opening day.
Midfield
The big questions that Klopp could have ahead of the opening day of the season could come in the midfield area. Fabinho will be able to revert back to his preferred position as a holding midfielder, which will certainly improve Liverpool’s chances of winning the midfield battle. Thiago’s first season in the Premier League was promising in patches, but looked to have finally settled by the end of the 2020-21 campaign.
The Spanish midfielder has the ability to dictate the pace of the game in the middle of the park, and he will likely be joined in the middle three by captain marvel Jordan Henderson. Henderson has finally returned to first-team action, and has been representing England throughout the EUROs.
Forwards
Mohamed Salah will be the first name on the teamsheet for the Reds. His goals will be invaluable if the club are going to be among the Betway favourites next season. The Egyptian scored 22 Premier League goals last season, which was double the tally recorded by the next highest scorer for the Reds.
Sadio Mane will continue to be the Liverpool outlet on the other flank, as he looks for an improved season after finding the net on just eleven occasions in 2020-21. Diogo Jota could also be handed the final forward starting spot, as he offers a better goal threat than Roberto Firmino. Firmino’s exertions in the Copa America could also mean that he is given an extended break.
