Later on this evening Liverpool will face Hertha Berlin in their second full pre-season game.
The Reds recorded a 1-0 win in their last outing against Mainz and they are expected to continue to ramp up their preparations with the new season beginning in just over two weeks.
In contrast to Liverpool, our German opponents are much further along in their pre-season schedule and are yet to be beaten in their first five games. Hertha have racked up 30 goals so far in pre-season, an average of six per game, so should prove to be Liverpool’s sternest test so far.
Jurgen Klopp has already hinted that players will see extended minutes with the return of Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson and Diogo Jota also anticipated.
Predicted starting defence
Caoimhin Kelleher has impressed immensely so far in pre-season. The 22-year-old Irishman established himself ahead of Adrian last season as the preferred back up to Alisson. As long as he is healthy Kelleher should see another start behind what will likely be Liverpool’s first choice back four on the opening day of the season.
Neco Williams could easily find himself starting against Hertha but I anticipate Trent Alexander-Arnold will begin proceedings if only to try and establish continuity with the other defenders.
Regardless of if he is to start or not expect Williams to be exchanged for Trent much earlier than usual as Klopp looks to rest his starting right-back ahead of the new season.
Despite van Dijk’s recovery from injury, his inclusion here is expected to be limited to a late substitute role. In the meantime Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip should take up the majority of playing minutes in an attempt to build up a centre back partnership that will likely start the season for Liverpool.
Andy Robertson is back in training and Klopp has already indicated he will feature against Hertha. However expect Kostas Tsimikas to be given his reward for his continued development and his displays in pre-season.
Predicted starting midfield
Jordan Henderson, Xherdan Shaqiri, Fabinho, and Thiago all remain unavailable for selection. Therefore there are limited options for Liverpool.
The ever-ready James Milner will likely wear the captains armband as he is deployed in a traditional number six position in front of the back four. His versatility is well noted but it is unlikely we will see him feature in this role throughout the season.
Expect Klopp to also start his only other recognised senior central midfielder Naby Keita. Still just 26-years-old Keita has undoubted ability and potential if he is able to rid himself of his injury problems. Another good runout in pre-season should hopefully build the fitness and sharpness he needs to have an impact throughout the next campaign.
The final midfield spot is up for grabs with Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all in contention to start.
Elliott has impressed after he was switched to a deeper role and Oxlade-Chamberlain may find himself deployed in midfield following Jota’s return to the forward line. However I expect Jones to be the one who is given the nod as Klopp continues to evaluate his midfield options going into the new season.
Predicted starting front three
I expect this choice for Klopp to be much easier. Jota’s return to training, coinciding with Roberto Firmino’s absence, means that Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah will likely partner the Portuguese forward.
Klopp has experimented with Oxlade-Chamberlain as a false nine and we will likely see that again in the future. However Jota is a more comfortable fit with Mane and Salah. As is the intention with pre-season, Klopp should utilise this time to find his best combinations so expect the front three to all interchange at some point.
It is unlikely Liverpool will persist with this front three throughout the entire game so look out for Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi to be rotated in early.
Full Liverpool XI vs Hertha Berlin
Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Konate, Tsimikas; Jones, Milner, Keita; Mane, Salag, Jota
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