Starting XI Prediction: Who Makes Arne Slot’s First Ever Liverpool XI

Many will remember that hilarious graphic of Jurgen Klopp’s first ever Liverpool eleven including the likes of Adam Bogdan, Jerome Sinclair and Connor Randall. Now, it’s Arne Slot’s turn and although his lineup certainly won’t be anything like that, there’s considerably more pressure on Slot to perform.

With that being said, excitement is really starting to build ahead of the Reds’ Premier League opener against Ipswich Town on Saturday. Therefore, we’re going to be predicting the lineup that Arne Slot will go with as his reign as Liverpool boss finally gets underway.

Big Decisions at the Back

Slot faces a number of big decisions when selecting his back line. Starting off with the goalkeeper, Alisson Becker will come into the side despite Caoimhin Kelleher’s impressive performances throughout pre-season. Ahead of him, the captain Virgil van Dijk will definitely start, but his centre-back partner isn’t quite as clear.

It’s a tough decision between Jarell Quansah, who has been immense over the past few months, and the more experienced Ibou Konate. In my opinion, it will be young Quansah who lines up alongside van Dijk. Trent Alexander-Arnold will also come back into the team despite Conor Bradley’s solid pre-season performances. Finally, Kostas Tsimikas will start at left-back with Andy Robertson seemingly still working back up to full fitness.

Verdict: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk (C), Tsimikas

Slot’s Surprise Name in Midfield

Not many people would’ve been expecting Ryan Gravenberch to be starting the Premier League opener just a couple of weeks ago, but it looks like the Dutchman will join Alexis Mac Allister in Liverpool’s new-look double pivot. This would leave the likes of Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones on the bench and just missing out on the starting eleven.

In terms of the more advanced midfielder, it’s expected to be between Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai. Personally, I would be leaning towards Harvey Elliott but I suspect Slot will lean towards the more physical presence of Szoboszlai, who is another player who seems to be fitting into Slot’s tactical plans well.

Verdict: Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai

Leading the Line

Of course, Mohamed Salah will start on the right-wing, as expected. Down the middle, Slot is spoiled for choice with the likes of Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo all availble. It will be Jota to lead the line, with almost a full pre-season behind him.

On the left, Luis Diaz will look to build on last-season’s performances and he certainly made a promising start to that in the 4-1 pre-season victory over Sevilla, where he scored twice.

Verdict: Salah, Jota, Diaz

Starting XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk (C), Tsimikas, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Salah, Jota, Diaz

Bench: Kelleher, Bradley, Konate, Gomez, Robertson, Jones, Elliott, Gakpo, Nunez

Score Prediction: Ipswich Town 1-3 Liverpool