Arne Slot gets his first taste of the Premier League this afternoon as Liverpool take on newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
The new Reds boss has a fully-fit squad to choose from, as confirmed by the manager during his press conference on Friday. The only problem it’s the exact same group as last season.
Liverpool begin new campaign without a single major addition to the squad with Martin Zubimendi rejecting interest from Anfield to stay with Real Sociedad.
At this stage, it is unlikely the club will try to sign an alternative midfielder, leaving Slot with the squad he inherited from Jurgen Klopp as he bids to replicate his success in Netherlands in the Premier League.
The good news is there are notable absentees for today’s opener – with the exception of youngster Bobby Clark, who has also been strongly linked with a move away.
Andy Robertson suffered a minor injury during Scotland’s ill-fated Euro 2024 campaign in Germany, missing the pre-season tour of the US.
While he did not feature in those friendly games, the 30-year-old has made steady progress on the training pitch and got 60 minutes under his belt against Las Palmas on Sunday in one of two friendly contests played that day.
Liverpool enjoyed a fine pre-season campaign, including a thumping win over Manchester United, with Diogo Jota the manager’s preferred option to lead the line.
The Portugal international could get the nod once again ahead of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo. Ryan Gravenberch also started matches against United and Sevilla in the heart of midfield.
Luis Diaz was this week linked with a sensational move to Manchester City – reports which were subsequently denied by both clubs.
Kieran McKenna meanwhile remains at the helm at Portland Road, rejecting the overtures of Chelsea and Manchester United to stay on at Ipswich after guiding them to back-to-back promotions.
