Liverpool's predicted starting XI for the 2018/19 season

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Liverpool

The 2017/18 season was more of a revolutionary year for Liverpool as after years of misfortunes, not only did the Reds put up a good fight for the Premier League title but also produced a series of astounding performances in the Champions League as they ended the competition with the runners-up position.

Apart from that, Liverpool were also the most active club in the Premier League in terms of transfer activity as they went on a spending spree to procure four big-money signings in order to bolster their ranks for the upcoming season.

The likes of Fabinho, Naby Keita, Xherdan Shaqiri and Alisson have all joined Liverpool for astronomical sums as Jurgen Klopp seeks a Premier League title challenge next season, as well as another tilt at the Champions League.

Consequently, the massive changes made with regard to the club's roster have made the imminent season all the more intriguing for Liverpool fans.

On that note, let us take a look at the most likely starting XI the Premier League outfit will field in the 2018/19 season.

Note: The lineup will feature a 4-3-3 formation for the same.

Also Read: Arsenal's predicted starting XI for the 2018/19 season


Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker

Liverpool v S.S.C Napoli - Pre Season Friendly
Alisson Becker

Liverpool's goalkeeping conundrum is well documented, which is why they were compelled to acquire a top-quality shot-stopper in the ongoing transfer market.

The howlers made by net-minders have cost the club on innumerable occasions, most recently in the Champions League final against Real Madrid where two blunders from Loris Karius helped Real Madrid accomplish their Champions League three-peat.

Nevertheless, with the Reds signing Alisson from AS Roma for a world-record fee of £65 million, the Brazilian will undoubtedly be the first-choice keeper at Anfield and hopefully, the answer to their woes between the sticks.

Also Read: 5 goalkeepers Liverpool could have signed for less than £65m

Centre-backs

Virgil van Dijk

Manchester City v Liverpool - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg
Virgil van Dijk

Since arriving from Southampton for a record-breaking fee which made him the most expensive defender of all-time, Virgil van Dijk has completely transformed Liverpool's back-line from a shaky defensive unit to one of the best in Europe.

In view of the Dutchman's contributions and magnitude, there's no reason for Jurgen Klopp to start someone ahead of him.


Dejan Lovren

Liverpool v Southampton - EFL Cup Semi-Final: Second Leg
Dejan Lovren

The much-maligned Dejan Lovren will most likely be the one partnering Van Dijk in the central defence. The 29-year-old will commence the season on the back of a stellar World Cup campaign where he inspired his national side to the runners-up position.

Of course, the Croatia international is not one of the best defenders in the world - in defiance of his claims - but he can be the perfect foil for his Dutch teammate.

Full-backs

Trent Alexander-Arnold

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Trent Alexander-Arnold

In the absence of Nathaniel Clyne, Alexander-Arnold has cemented his place in Liverpool's starting XI by virtue of his consistent showings for the club.

An excellent find for Liverpool's academy, the 19-year-old also gained a call-up to the England squad for the World Cup as the only uncapped outfield player.


Andrew Robertson

Liverpool v S.S.C Napoli - Pre Season Friendly
Andrew Robertson

From being a Celtic reject, Robertson has gone from strength to strength to become a regular figure in Liverpool's starting lineup.

However, despite his reassuring presence, the left-back berth is a bit of concern for Klopp since Alberto Moreno is the only back-up available in case Robertson fails to make the grade or undergoes an injury.

Midfielders

Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Naby Keïta

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Fabinho

Liverpool's midfield is the key area which has gained a serious turnaround this summer after Klopp decided to bring in the likes of Fabinho and Naby Keita, who will be deployed on the either side of captain Jordan Henderson.

Fabinho will add defensive stability to the team, and will let Keita and Henderson enhance their influence in the middle and up front.

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Naby Keita

As for Naby Keita, the former RB Leipzig ace will be the ideal man for Klopp's style of play as he will empower the midfield with his creativity, passing, dribbling, interceptions and tackles, playing the role of a box-to-box midfielder.

Wingers

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Mohamed Salah

The most predictable entry in the starting lineup, Mohamed Salah is presently the linchpin of Liverpool's squad having relished a stunning debut season.

The Egyptian has also latterly signed a long-term contract with the Reds and is intent on staying at the Anfield for a couple more years. In the 2017/18 season, the 26-year-old also won the Premier League Golden Boot by netting a total of 32 goals.


Sadio Mané

Liverpool v A.S. Roma - UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg One
Sadio Mané

Another fulcrum of one of the best attacking units in world football, Sadio Mane has been tearing up Premier League defences for four years now.

Last season, he notched up 20 goals and engineered a further 8 in 44 appearances in all competitions. Mane will be a regular in Liverpool's starting XI, particularly after the deal with Nabil Fekir fell through who could have usurped his spot.

Centre-forward

Roberto Firmino

Liverpool v Swansea City - Premier League
Roberto Firmino

Complementing arguably the most menacing trio of Premier League, Roberto Firmino will be leading the line for a star-studded squad in all likelihood.

The Brazilian is one of the most diligent players in Liverpool's squad with an intense work-rate that is difficult to rival.

In spite of all the new signings and alterations, it would be pretty imprudent from Jurgen Klopp if he decides to amend the Reds' attacking unit.

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