Klopp facing three big calls - Sean Bradbury
It feels like there are three big decisions for Jurgen Klopp to make today.
Who partners Virgil van Dijk at the back? I'd go with Ibrahima Konate to help cope with the physical presence of Erling Haaland. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson complete the defence, with Adrian deputising for Alisson while he works his way to full fitness.
Who completes the midfield three? Naby Keita gets the nod for me, along with Thiago and Fabinho.
Who starts in the centre up front? Darwin Nunez can come off the bench later on, so it is Roberto Firmino flanked by Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz from the outset.
My team (4-3-3): Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Diaz.
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Strong team can set down marker - Joe Rimmer
And so it all begins again.
The Community Shield is upon us already, signalling the start of another season of intense football.
It’s an interesting one, is this trophy. Lose and it’s nothing but a glorified friendly. Win and it gets added to the trophy cabinet and tallied up as another competition won.
I prefer the latter. And so that means a strong line-up in order to set down a marker against Man City.
It means Adrian in goal (little choice in that matter), with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson either side of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, who can stake a claim as the first choice defensive partnership from the off.
In midfield, I’m going Fabinho, Thiago and Naby Keita, in the long-held hope this will be the season that the Guinean stays fit long enough to keep his spot in the side. Up front I’m going Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah and for now, Roberto Firmino. Darwin Nunez can continue to gel with his new team-mates a week longer, at least.
My team (4-3-3): Adrian, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Keita; Diaz, Salah, Firmino
Henderson and Matip start - Ian Doyle
The season starts here. Except, of course, it doesn't.
But trying telling that to the 30,000 or so fans who will make the journey to Leicester City - yes, that's right, hold the match in a location that's difficult for anyone to get to - to watch Liverpool take on Manchester City in the Community Shield.
The shortened preparation time for both squads means it's more than ever likely to be judged a friendly than a competitive match. That said, the moment the first whistle goes, nothing less than 100% will be given.
With Liverpool in action again the following day at home to Strasbourg, there's a good chance those who start against City will last the full 90. Certainly, there won't be loads of changes.
Expect Jurgen Klopp, then, to go strong.
Adrian is in goal given Alisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher aren't available. Right-back is Trent Alexander-Arnold, left-back Andy Robertson. And partnering Virgil van Dijk at centre-back is, for me, Joel Matip.
In midfield, Naby Keita has a strong claim and may well be one of the first substitutes on. But it's Jordan Henderson skippering the team, Fabinho the anchor and Thiago Alcantara pulling the strings.
Had Keita started, I'd be tempted to go with Darwin Nunez up top. Roberto Firmino, though, leads the line with Luis Diaz left and Mohamed Salah right.
My team (4-3-3): Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Matip, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Firmino, Diaz.
Henderson gets the nod in midfield - Charlotte Coates
Here we are then, one week away until Liverpool go on their quest for the Premier League title. But, first, the Reds must tackle the small matter of Manchester City in the Community Shield.
With Alisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher ruled out, Adrian will start in goal.
In the back four, Trent Alexander-Arnold will take his spot at right-back with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the defence. Andy Robertson will start at left-back.
Jurgen Klopp will start with the familiar midfield three of Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho.
Up front, Liverpool will have Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah either side of Roberto Firmino.
Expect to see new signings Fabio Carvalho and Darwin Nunez at some stage.
Liverpool (4-3-3) - Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Diaz, Firmino, Salah
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