Liverpool set to field strongest pre-season side yet

Jurgen Klopp is expected to select a strong starting 11 for Liverpool’s meeting with Manchester City in New Jersey as his side step-up their preparations for the new season.

Klopp has said that he will allow some of his starters to play for 60 minutes rather than the 45 which had become customary.

The headline team news is the return of key attackers Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who only reported back to Melwood on Friday.

Salah and Mane were not supposed to be back in contention this early, but they have exceeded expectations and, whilst they are unlikely to start against the Premier League champions, they could well be introduced from the bench.

Georginio Wijnaldum is also available again after being sidelined by a muscle issue and a subsequent virus, but his match-fitness is limited.

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MARIBOR, SLOVENIA – Tuesday, October 17, 2017: Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum during the UEFA Champions League Group E match between NK Maribor and Liverpool at the Stadion Ljudski vrt. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

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Loris Karius will be looking for a more trouble-free evening between the sticks after facing a fresh round of criticism for an error leading to Borussia Dortmund’s third goal last time out.

Nathaniel Clyne should start at right-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold still on holiday, while Joe Gomez could partner Virgil van Dijk in the middle. The pair could both line up against West Ham on the opening day after Joel Matip sustained an injury against Dortmund and was forced to leave the tour early.

Andrew Robertson should complete the back four, though Alberto Moreno could get some second-half minutes.

Klopp could potentially assemble his best midfield trio from the options he has available. Naby Keita and Fabinho should start once again as they continue to adapt to the German’s unique style of play, with James Milner likely to fill the remaining slot.

BURY, ENGLAND – JULY 14: Naby Keita of Liverpool reacts during a pre-season friendly match between Bury and Liverpool at Gigg Lane on July 14, 2018 in Bury, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

The in-form Daniel Sturridge has been tipped to lead the line once again and could be flanked by Divock Origi, in desperate need of a goal, and Adam Lallana as Salah and Mane wait in the wings.

Goalkeeping deputies Kamil Grabara and Caoimhin Kelleher might also get a chance against Pep Guardiola’s side.

Youngsters Nat Phillips, Pedro Chirivella, Ben Woodburn, Curtis Jones, Rafa Camacho, Dominic Solanke and Sheyi Ojo should all be in the squad, despite the fact many are set for loan moves, and may play some part.

The International Champions Cup game, which is being held at the MetLife Stadium, kicks off just after 1am UK time on Thursday morning.

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Source: anfieldhq.com