This 2016/2017 Premier League season stands to be a very interesting one for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, due to the amount of changes that have occurred since the beginning of last season, especially with the top clubs – and our Reds fans here in the Transfer Tavern are excited!

With changes in management at the majority of the top clubs and impressive form last season from some unlikely contenders this could be the hardest season to predict the top four, let alone the champion.

So, where do Liverpool fit into this? Well, the Liverpool supporting punters here in the Tavern are divided.

Could Jurgen’s stripping of the club, selling players such as Joe Allen and Kolo Toure work in his favour as he rebuilds with players like Sadio Mane and Georginio Wijnaldum? Or will this back-fire?

With the season fast approaching, Liverpool have yet another tough pre-season friendly this Saturday as they take on Barcelona at Wembley Stadium. After a long debate between the punters, a 4-2-3-1 formation and this Liverpool XI was selected to smash Barcelona this Saturday …

Simon Mignolet

The Liverpool shotstopper has had mixed success and form at the club, causing many punters in the pub to doubt his ability to be Liverpool’s number one choice for the future.

However, with their new signing Loris Karius out with a broken hand, Mignolet would be the obvious choice to start.

Nathaniel Clyne

The English right-back has enjoyed time in both Liverpool and England shirts lately and is a sure starter for Klopp’s Liverpool team, and it would be wise to give him this invaluable game time before the season begins.

His pace, acceleration and strong attacking play provides another dimension to attacks, something that is almost a necessity in top-flight fullbacks these days.

Dejan Lovren

Liverpool’s centre-backs have been criticised in recent years, and rightly so in most cases.

Their leaky and unreliable defence has been the source of most of their problems.

However, despite the fluctuating form of Lovren he still stands to be the strongest of Liverpool’s selection and deserves a starting place.

His timing and strength in the air will be key for Liverpool to deal with the various threats of Barcelona and the Premier League.

Ragnar Klavan

The experienced Estonia international was brought in by Klopp as cover for the injured Mamadou Sakho, and given his record of fifth most clearances in the Bundesliga last season expect him to take no prisoners.

Klavan also completed the first half against Roma this week and given his vast experience he’ll more than likely start on Saturday.

Alberto Moreno

Despite the knock he picked up against Roma, Moreno should be fit to play on Saturday.

He’s another player who’s form fluctuates but when he’s good, he’s good.

Much like Clyne, his attacking ability is something that Liverpool will need if they’re to punish a strong Barcelona side, however he will be needed more in defence particularly if Messi is to play on the right.

Emre Can

To protect the often shaky defence of Liverpool sits the impressive, strong talent of Emre Can.

The German has shown his ability in a Liverpool shirt however it’s believed he has much more to offer the side, especially due to his excellent form with Germany (U21 and first team level).

James Milner

Arguably Liverpool’s most reliable centre midfielder, James Milner has bags of experience and gives 100% throughout the whole game.

His tackling and passing ability will be key for Liverpool to defend against Barcelona’s onslaught and also unpick their iron defence.

Roberto Firmino

The talented Brazilian is another player who’s form can fluctuate, however he’s certainly got the magic to terrorise defences and given some valuable playing time will be lethal in combination with Coutinho and Sturridge.

He’ll have to fight for his position in future however with the likes of Wijnaldum, Mane and Ojo lining up for a starting position.

Philippe Coutinho

The first name on the team sheet for most. The selection speaks for itself.

His eye for a pass, skillful dribbling ability and quality finishing will be key to Liverpool’s chances of taking down a strong Barcelona side.

Sadio Mane

Klopp’s Senegalese signing will no doubt be eager to find his role in the starting eleven and with a start against Roma this week, will more than likely feature against Barcelona.

Mane’s performances for Southampton have been impressive with 21 goals in 67 appearances, 15 of which coming from last season’s campaign and will certainly provide a threat from the left.

Danny Ings

The former Burnley striker has unfortunately been plagued with injury and hasn’t been able to make his desired impression on the Reds’ boss and being that Klopp knows what Sturridge can do he may be keen to test out another option on Saturday.

Ings can certainly add another dimension to Liverpool’s attack and, given his lack of top-flight football lately, he’ll be out with a point to prove.