A new season looms and with that comes pressure, stress and worry, all surpassed by excitement, joy and the return of he 10-fold acca.
Champions of Europe Liverpool, not sure if you knew about that, start with a home game against promoted Norwich and I fancy us to do the business. It’s a shame John Ruddy and Luis Suarez aren’t knocking about so we would be in for some 30 yard screamers and a plethora of goals.
I’m aware my ignorance, naivety and red tinted glasses may slightly skew my opinion here but after seeing Liverpool’s second half performance against Manchester City in the battle for a big 50p I can’t help but be enthusiastic about this game and the performance I expect to come with that.
Add to that it’s at Anfield. The first time Liverpool will have been there since bringing home number six. Again, not sure if you knew about that. The fans will be bang up for this.
Should I pay more attention to Norwich? Absolutely! Am I going to think about them in anyway shape or form? Nah.
Anyway here’s my ideal XI for the Premier League 2019/20 opener!
Alisson Becker
Nailed on no brainer this one. Winner of the golden glove for the Premier League, Champions League and Copa America. Who else would you start? Unless Liverpool make a late bid for Stretch Armstrong or Inspector Gadget, this man starts every game in the League for me. Soz Adrian, nothing against you, he’s just boss.
Trent Alexander Arnold
Probably the biggest headache I had deciding this line up. Joe Gomez was a strong contender after his second half performance in the Community Shield, whereas Trent looked a bit off. To be fair he was up against Sané and Sterling. I expect him and Liverpool to deal with Hernandez a little bit better. Plus, he provides us with that creativity in the attacking third.
Joel Matip
Joel Matip has been immense for that past eight or so months. I’ve expected his form to dip or for him to pick up an injury but the Cameroonian has been solid. I was shocked he didn’t start on Sunday but maybe he was being prepared for this one. I think he deserves this and I think him and Virg will cope with Pukki well together.
️ Van Dijk
⚽️ MatipLiverpool are level as their centre-backs link up at Wembley!
Great composure from Van Dijk! pic.twitter.com/8ciJMqmzli
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 4, 2019
Virgil van Dijk
Imagine the uproar if I didn’t pick him?! Not really sure of how to justify this decision without just saying his name? Surely that’s good enough. He doesn’t need time off. He played 50 games last season totalling 4,465 minutes. I want a clean sheet. He has to start.
Andrew Robertson
Another easy choice, given we don’t really have another recognised left-back and how immense he is. Much like Trent I think we will look to exploit Norwich with our creative, overlapping full-backs. Bring on the assist competition between him and Trent!
Fabinho
A huge advantage of this Liverpool side is their versatility. We are spoilt with Fabinho, Gini and Hendo who can all play this deeper role. Probably chuck Adam Lallana in there if you are desperate, I won’t just yet. Fabinho has become instrumental to this Liverpool side, a proper destroyer who doesn’t take any shit and plays on the front foot.
Naby Keita
I think I’ve gone heart over head for this one. I am desperate for him to hit the ground running and put his injury behind him. Norwich at Anfield is the perfect opportunity for him. His desire, tenacity and energy in the press will have Norwich on the back foot. He can provide the imagination and needle needed to get Liverpool going this season.
Jordan Henderson
I lied before, this third spot was also a bit of pain. A nice pain though. I could have easily gone for Milner, Ox or Gini here. And that’s nothing against them, I’ve got one eye on Chelsea in midweek too. I think you get sixty minutes out of Hendo and then look to get Milner or Gini on to freshen things up. Like Keita, Hendo will be everywhere with Fabinho behind him.
Lord Divock
Ok, this was also a nightmare and started some office debate. I think Origi has much more of an impact coming from the bench. Mané is obviously missing, I don’t think Ox is ready, as much as I’d love him to be, and I got slated for suggesting Gini on social media despite him playing left wing in several pre-season games. I even considered Brewster but if you replace Origi with any of the other players available then I think you have to change your system slightly or move the likes of Bobby and Mo about. Be arsed with that.
OH NO WAIT!!!!
As I’m writing this Sadio has returned to training. I’ve changed my mind, start him. I don’t care, he’s ready. Four days will be sound.
Bobby Firmino
Considering he’s had such a long year and not much pre-season under his belt I think Bobby has been fantastic. He’s my favourite player, which changes on a regular basis, but in all honesty I think he provides so much. Defensively he’s terrific and relentless whilst going forward he delivers that moment of pure filth, a defence rupturing piece of skill. He’ll turn Norwich inside out.
Mo Salah
Christ almighty, how did he not score against City? I’ll tell you why. He’s saving it for this. Similar to Bobby, Mo has hardly had a pre-season yet he looks so sharp and match fit. He just needs to get a goal and I think he’ll pick up where he left off last season. There were times his decision making could have been better versus City but part of me likes the selfishness and desire to score.
Score Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Norwich – 11/2
