Ryan Gravenberch might make his Liverpool debut against Aston Villa, but Jurgen Klopp must first address a defensive dilemma.
Following the captain’s dismissal against Newcastle, the Reds will be without Virgil van Dijk at the back, while fellow center-back Ibrahima Konate is a serious injury concern.
Accordingly, Jarell Quansah, who lacks experience, will start in reserve for the Villans’ visit together with Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.
Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai should make up the midfield three since Gravenberch, a £34 million acquisition by Bayern Munich, is unlikely to be started right away (and may not even have been registered in time).
Darwin Nunez made a strong argument for the starting spot at Newcastle with a magnificent match-winning double, and he may have displaced Luis Diaz or Diogo Jota. Jota sat on the sidelines for St James Park’s victory as well.
Liverpool predicted XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Matip, Robertson; Endo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Darwin, Jota
Doubts: Bajcetic
Suspended: Van Dijk
Time and date: 2pm BST, Sunday, September 3, 2023
Venue: Anfield