The Liverpool fans here inside the Football Transfer Tavern really don’t know what to expect in the upcoming 2016/17 Premier League season.
Half of the punters here in the Tavern feel that Jurgen Klopp’s men will seriously compete for a top four spot in the top-flight, whilst the other half feel the Merseyside club will be nowhere near that coveted top four.
Klopp takes his side to St Louis in Missouri to take on Serie A outfit Roma in a pre-season friendly at the Busch Stadium.
The pre-season matches continue to come quick for Liverpool, who play their third game of an incredibly intense six days, just 44 hours after beating AC Milan!
Our landlord has been deliberating with the punters here in the Tavern, and feels this line-up in a 4-3-3 formation will destroy Roma in the pre-season friendly…..
Simon Mignolet
The Belgian is set to be between the sticks for Liverpool against Roma, with summer signing Loris Karius suffering a broken hand in pre-season.
Fans here in the Tavern aren’t sure what to make of the shotstopper, and think one week he is on fire, yet the next week he hasn’t got a clue!
Nathaniel Clyne
The England international will be hoping for a starting berth against Roma.
His pace and efficient attacking play will be useful against the Serie A side, and it is essential the Klopp gives the ex-Crystal Palace player a chance to increase his match fitness and sharpness ahead of the new campaign.
Ragnar Klavan
The Estonian defender is set to start again against Roma at the Busch Stadium on Tuesday.
His relatively string display against Chelsea in the International Champions Cup has given Liverpool fans here in the Tavern hope that he will become an influential figure next season.
Dejan Lovren
Lovren will be hoping for another starting spot against Roma, as he aims to continue the impressive form he showcased last season under Klopp.
The 27-year-old can be one the most solid centre-backs in the world on his day, and Klopp will surely utilise him against Roma, especially with Joel Matip a doubt to play.
Alberto Moreno
The 24-year-old is a player that well and truly divides opinion here in the Transfer Tavern.
Much like Lovren, when on form, the Spaniard can be a catalyst for any attacking plays and has the potential to create serious opportunities for Liverpool’s frontline from his bombing runs down the left.
Emre Can
As Klopp continues his Anfield overhaul, one of the players who can surely count himself safe from the axe is Emre Can.
The dynamic German midfielder has emerged as one of the formidable midfielders in the Premier League over the course of the past few months and provides a stoic presence in the engine room, while possessing the mobility and passing range to keep things ticking over.
Jordan Henderson
While Jordan Henderson’s presence was often lamented during England’s miserable outings at EURO 2016, the Reds skipper is important to Klopp’s plans at Anfield.
He has the engine to break behind enemy lines, and while he lacks the passing range of a certain Steven Gerrard, can certainly keep up with the pace.
Georginio Wijnaldum
Undoubtedly the most technically gifted of the trio, the Dutchman will have to prove himself after a mixed spell with Newcastle United last season.
Naturally an attacking player, the 25-year old will provide the best link between the engine room and the frontline.
Klopp’s philosophy centres around impact position and keeping the amount of passes low when on the counter, with the former PSV man able to play a huge role in that.
His low centre of gravity and physical presence allows him to dribble up the field, while his passing range means he is capable of finding a devastating final ball.
RW: Sadio Mane
Having recently arrived as part of Liverpool’s yearly donation scheme to Southampton, the Senegalese winger will want to single himself out in the mind of new boss Jurgen Klopp, as a player who deserves to be on the team sheet come the start of the new Premier League season.
The explosive winner can sinlge handedly turn the tide of a match, as Klopp found out when the 24-year-old lead the way as the Saints turned around a 2-0 deficit to beat the Reds 3-2 at St. Mary’s last season.
LW: Adam Lallana
With an influx of attacking talent this summer, Lallana will be on a mission to prove his worth to Jurgen Klopp, who called for his players to improve their finishing despite beating AC Milan 2-0 on Saturday.
The England international was one of those that the boss was referring to having missed a chance in the International Champions Cup fixture and will want the chance to finish a couple of chances against Roma.
ST: Danny Ings
After an impressive solo performance from Divock Origi against Milan, it is over to Danny Ings to show Klopp what he’s got in order to establish his place in the squad.
Having missed most of last season through injury, the former Burnley man will inevitably want to get a strong pre-season under his belt and will grab any chance thrown his way to make an impression on the Reds boss.
