Liverpool are back in action on Sunday with a difficult trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea for their second outing of the season.
Jurgen Klopp’s side will be looking for a more assured performance after their thrilling but frantic 4-3 victory at Anfield against Leeds United last Saturday.
Sunday’s match will see Klopp put his wits against Frank Lampard, whom the German boss has been having something of a public disagreement with in recent weeks.
The pair also were involved in a pitchside argument over the awarding of a free-kick during the Reds’ 5-3 win at Anfield in July.
The Premier League champions will face a new-look Chelsea side from the one they faced just six weeks ago and it will be an early stern test of the Reds title defending credentials.
Lampard has brought in a host of new faces, including the strongly Liverpool linked German striker Timo Werner.
Kicking off their season on Monday, Lampard’s Chelsea were somewhat unconvincing as they came past Brighton & Hove Albion. The final scoreline of 3-1 flattered the London side and Lampard will know they have to play better this weekend.
Thiago Alcantara will be a Liverpool player for the game, although the Spanish midfielder is unlikely to feature on Sunday.
Here’s who we think Klopp will pick…
GK- Alisson Becker
The brilliant Brazilian won’t have been happy with his opening day goals-against tally and will demand more solidity in front of him.
RB - Trent Alexander-Arnold
Has made a habit of scoring worldie free kicks against Chelsea in recent clashes. Quiet in the Reds opener but that won’t last.
CB - Joe Gomez
Didn’t do much wrong in an iffy overall defensive display against Leeds. Should keep his place.
CB - Virgil van Dijk
Slightly off at the back but did fire a bullet header home to put Liverpool 2-1 ahead. Phenomenal footballer and the leader of the defence.
LB - Andy Robertson
Started the season as he means to go and was always influencing play from the left. Perhaps the stand out from last week and will continue.
CDM - Fabinho
Left out of the starting XI last week but will regain his place as to shore up the midfield. Additional pressure from Thiago may bring even more out of the Brazilian.
CM - Jordan Henderson
Returned quicker than expected and will continue from the start. The leader and an integral part of Klopp’s workmanlike midfield.
CM - Gini Wijnaldum
Looks set to stay after being reported as the one to make way for Thiago. Will want to produce and keep his place with fresh competition waiting in the wings.
RW - Mohamed Salah
At his sparkling best with an opening day hat-trick last week. Will hope to continue in the same vain back at his old stomping ground.
CF - Roberto Firmino
Up to his usual tricks and flicks last week. Has a good record against Chelsea and will look to add early goals to his all-round play this season.
LW - Sadio Mane
Uncharacteristically wasteful last week, will be desperate to put that right on Sunday and get his first for the new season.