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#3 Gini Wijaldum starting in midfield
Ah, the age-old issue of players and their fitness. Just like the centre-backs, some of Liverpool's midfielders are having their fair share of fitness problems. We all know that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is out for possibly the entire season but a few others might miss the first game. New signing Fabinho is ill and won't play any part against West Ham, while there are questions over the state of Jordan Henderson and James Milner.
The Liverpool captain has just recently returned to Melwood after a busy World Cup campaign but is expected to start the season in the side, but it would not be too surprising if Klopp decided to bench him on Sunday. Milner suffered a gruesome wound that required 15 stitches while in action, leaving him in doubt as well. Whether or not the both of them are available, we should see a start for one of Liverpool's most impressive players in the last few games, Gini Wijnaldum.
The Dutch midfielder scored in the last two friendlies against Napoli and Torino, while enjoying impressive performances in both games. He is looking to stake his claim for a spot in Liverpool's hotly contested midfield three. There are six players vying for three positions, a problem Jurgen Klopp would want to have. Competition for places is always healthy in football, as it showcases the strength-in-depth of teams. Liverpool certainly have that now. But for the opener, we will likely see Wijnaldum partner Henderson and new boy Naby Keita in the middle of the park.
