Liverpool's predicted XI for the Premier League clash against Fulham
Liverpool will face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday to kickstart their 2022-23 Premier League campaign. The match will kick-off at 12:30pm.
With that being the case, we have decided to predict what Jurgen Klopp's starting XI will be.
Alisson - Goalkeeper
Alisson missed Liverpool's Community Shield victory over Manchester City at the King Power Stadium last weekend due to an abdominal injury.
However, the goalkeeper is expected to be fit for the opening weekend of the 2022-23 Premier League season. Alisson has been the club's No.1 shot-stopper since 2018.
“Ali trained today more than the day before, he will definitely be available for Fulham, but not for the weekend,” Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said last week, as quoted by This Is Anfield.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - Right-back
Alexander-Arnold is considered to be one of the best attacking right-backs in the game. The Scouser registered 19 assists in 47 appearances last season.
We look forward to seeing him take to the Craven Cottage pitch.
Joel Matip - Centre-back
Matip was Klopp's second-choice centre-back last campaign. The 30-year-old started against Manchester City last weekend.
Therefore, we expect to see him start against Fulham.
Virgil van Dijk - Centre-back
Van Dijk is considered to be the best central defender in the game. When fit, the Dutchman is always in Klopp's starting XI.
Van Dijk averaged a WhoScored player rating of 7.18 across 34 Premier League fixtures last season. Hopefully he can continue his good form and propel Liverpool towards the title.
Andy Robertson - Left-back
Robertson is a presence out on the pitch for Liverpool. The left-back brings great energy to every game of football that he plays in.
Robertson has been a regular in Klopp's XI since 2017-18. Therefore, he will feature against Fulham.
Fabinho - Midfielder
Fabinho is arguably Liverpool's most important player. The defensive midfielder protects the back four and keeps the ball moving.
When Fabinho is unavailable for selection, it is very noticeable.
Jordan Henderson - Midfielder
We can't see Klopp not selecting his captain for the opening game of the Premier League season.
Henderson is a voice out on the pitch for Liverpool. He provides direction when no one else will.
Also, Henderson's ability to get across the pitch makes him a valuable asset.
Thiago Alcantara - Midfielder
Thiago is Liverpool's most technically gifted footballer. The midfielder knows when to quicken the play up or slow it down.
In a game where both sides will be looking to send an early statement of intent, Liverpool will need Thiago to be at his best.
Mohamed Salah - Winger
Salah is a world-class winger. He has scored 157 goals and registered 64 assists in 255 appearances for Liverpool's first-team.
Salah recently signed a new deal. So, his head will be clear and we fully expect him to continue being the focal point of the club's attack.
Luis Diaz - Winger
Liverpool signed Diaz from Porto for a transfer fee of £42.30 million back in January.
Since then, Diaz has worked his way into Klopp's starting XI. The winger has found the back of the net six times and secured five assists in 27 appearances for the Reds.
Darwin Nunez - Striker
Nunez did not start against Manchester City in the Community Shield. However, the striker had a real influence on the game during the second half.
Nunez won a penalty and scored Liverpool's third goal of the afternoon.
So, we would not be surprised to see the new-boy start against Fulham this weekend.