We take a look at Jurgen Klopp’s possible lineup for Liverpool’s final pre-season friendly on Monday against Darmstadt at Deepdale
Liverpool will play their final pre-season game on Monday night as Jurgen Klopp’s side prepare to face German opposition for the fourth time this summer.
The Reds started their schedule with a 4-2 win over Karlsruher before scoring four more goals against Greuther Fürth five days later in a 4-4 draw. Leicester City were then comfortably trailing, although Bayern Munich found a way to beat Liverpool on Wednesday after scoring two goals.
A final test awaits the Reds at Deepdale, home of the Preston North End, when Darmstadt travels to England ahead of the DFB-Pokal match on August 14. For both teams, this is the last chance to hit the mark. Evaluate the areas where they need improvement before preparing for another tough campaign.
After the 4-3 loss to Bayern earlier this week, should Liverpool manager Klopp consider switching sides or giving the players another chance against Darmstadt?
It makes sense that there is only one man going between the sticks for the Reds, and that would be Alisson Becker. Caoimhin Kelleher had chances against Karlsruher and Leicester but was unlikely to earn a spot in the squad as Liverpool ramped up their preparations to face Chelsea in their Premier League opener on August 13.
The same is true in defence, where Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson look set to keep their positions, along with Ibrahima Konate. Alexander-Arnold will of course be allowed to move into the forward zones under this system, with his teammates in the back having to be wary of attacks from the front from Darmstadt.
Curtis Jones was tested in sixth place against Bayern, an experience that didn’t quite go as planned, although there were not many other options for Klopp to move into that position after the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho. . Fans will be hoping that Romeo Lavia may have been signed by the time the game kicks off on Monday. However, that can only happen if the Red Devils are willing to meet the £50m price offered by Southampton.
Elsewhere in midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai is poised for another start but Alexis Mac Allister may not take the risk after picking up an injury on Wednesday. Harvey Elliott and Bobby Clark will benefit from this and are the two main contenders for the final spot in the field.
Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago are expected to return to training ahead of the game on Monday, ensuring the Spaniard duo are also in contention. The departure of both individuals could be considered unlikely, however, appearing on the bench is a more likely outcome.
Boasting an array of attacking options, Klopp’s picks in the final third of the pitch could provide clues as to who he is looking at as his front trio for Premier League games. Cody Gakpo will be unlucky to be eliminated after his fine goal on Wednesday, although Diogo Jota could replace Luis Diaz to start with Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool squad that could face Darmstadt:
Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson, Szoboszlai, Jones, Elliott, Diaz, Gakpo, Salah.
