Expected to be a tough match for the Red from Merseyside, let’s find out the interesting points of this tonight’s competition.
1. Only 51,000 at Anfield tonight
The first home game of the season was expected to have more than 60,000 spectators at Anfield, but those plans were stalled some time ago and attendance is expected to drop to around 51,000.
Only the lower level of the Anfield stadium stand will open on Saturday and that could continue for a while after the construction company responsible for the stands submits an application for management.
It was a significant upset for the club, but all Jurgen’s players and the fans can focus on is getting the first three points of the campaign.
2. Welcome, Endo!
The third signing of the summer Wataru Endo the defensive-midfielder from Japan may appear this Saturday.
This midfielder can also be deployed as centre-back and with experience and leadership qualities in abundance, the 30-year-old represents a shrewd addition to the squad.
He has been registered with the Premier League, but it’s still unclear whether he has been granted a work permit in time to be available in the matchday squad.
3. Injuries news of Liverpool
Curtis Jones is expected to sit this one out with an ankle issue, while neither Thiago Alcantara nor Stefan Bajcetic is fully fit to start games.
Klopp has decisions up front with Darwin Nunez as an sub-option there, but a started XI seems most likely unchanged from the last match at Stamford Bridge
4. Predicted lineup
Most likely rookie Wataru Endo will not be able to start from the beginning, so coach Jurgen Klopp will use the same formation as the last match against Chelsea.
This is considered the most optimal squad with the current personnel situation when the important midfielders are all injured and Gakpo will be the one to fill that void.
Although there are a few holes on the squad but with these current people, Liverpool is still highly appreciated and can compete for a ticket to the Champions League next season.
Predicted XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Szoboszlai; Salah, D. Jota, Diaz
5. The VAR
VAR issues are at the center of attention after the match between Man Utd and Wolves, the referee team at EPL has apologized for the decision not to blow the penalty for the Wolves. Liverpool is also a team that is often not “favored” by VAR, so they will have to pay more attention to this issue during the upcoming match.
There is a new face taking charge of this match for Liverpool, with Thomas Bramall taking on the responsibilities as referee. It’s his first in charge of the Reds from Merseyside.