Liverpool suffered their first defeat of this summer, as they lost 1-0 to Chelsea courtesy a first half header from Gary Cahill. Their America tour will resume in Santa Clara, where they will take on Italian giants AC Milan on 31st July. Jurgen Klopp’s team has been in scintillating form this summer, having won four matches against English sides such as Tranmere Rovers, Fleetwood Town, Wigan Athletic and Huddersfield Town without conceding a single goal. Following the match against Milan, they will take on Roma alongside Barcelona and FC Mainz before 13th August kicks off.
Jurgen Klopp has been very busy this summer, bringing in a host of quality players to improve the depth in the squad. Getting Sadio Mane and Wijnaldum has given the side an extra edge that they seemed to have been missing since the departure of Sterling and Suarez. AC Milan comes into this match on the back of a penalty shoot-out win against German Champions Bayern Munich. Klopp is expected to have a fully-fit squad to choose from now that most of his stars have returned to training following their participation in the European Championship and Copa America. Here we look at the expected starting XI that Klopp might put out.
Goalkeeper: Loris Karius
Karius is definitely on his way to becoming the number one keeper at Anfield, following another solid performance between the sticks. Although he hasn’t been troubled much this summer, he has done well whenever called upon.
Defenders: Connor Randall, Dejan Lovren, Alberto Moreno and Ragnar Klavan
Youngster Connor Randall has been excellent in the last couple of matches and should keep his place in the side at right-back. He will be keen to break into the first team next season, therefore the next few matches are very important for him. Lovren was handed the captains armband against Chelsea and the skipper did not disappoint, putting in a solid performance in central midfield. Lovren will play alongside new signing Klavan, who was brilliant on his debut for the Reds against Chelsea. With no real competition in the team for his spot, Moreno should continue at left-back even though he looked shaky for the majority of 82 minutes he spent on the pitch against the Blues.
Midfielders: Henderson, Stewart, Mane, Coutinho and Wijnaldum
With most of his first team players available for selection, one feels Klopp might put out an experienced midfield following a very stagnant performance by the team against Chelsea. Henderson who came on as a substitute in the last match might be drafted in at central midfield alongside Kevin Stewart. Grujic might miss this match following a head injury caused by a collision with Traore. Mane did well against Chelsea and should keep his place on the right-wing with fellow new signing Wijnaldum on the left-wing. Coutinho will continue in his number 10 role right behind the striker.
Striker: Firmino
Firmino has lacked that cutting edge over the last few matches but is still the best striking option at Liverpool currently, with other strikers struggling to find their touch. He will continue up front, though Ings will also be in contention.