Liverpool line-ups as Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott decisions made for Fulham

Anfield Talk
by Anfield Talk August 06, 2022


Elliott in the mix with Firmino leading the line

Ian Doyle: Finally, it's back. And by it, we mean the Premier League. Liverpool, though, are grappling with a rather large injury crisis, even if it doesn't substantially impact what was going to be the starting line-up at Fulham.

Nevertheless, there are a couple of decisions Jurgen Klopp must make.

First, the good news. Alisson Becker is back between the sticks having been out for a few weeks with an abdominal problem. Trent Alexander-Arnold is right-back, with Andy Robertson on the left. At centre-back, the knee injury for Ibrahima Konate means Joel Matip partners Virgil van Dijk, although I'd have opted for that regardless.

In midfield, Fabinho anchors with Thiago Alcantara ahead. And with a long season approaching, I'd go for Harvey Elliott completing the engine room with Jordan Henderson able to come on in the second half.

Up top, the main poser is between Roberto Firmino and Darwin Nunez to lead the line. Firmino gets the nod for me, with Luis Diaz left and Mohamed Salah right. Those five permitted substitutions, though, will have a big impact.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Elliott; Salah, Firmino, Diaz.

Who partners Van Dijk in defence? Given the absence of Konate, surely Matip gets the nod.

Who is the third midfielder? Against a newly-promoted side away from home, the energy and drive of the skipper will be needed. So it's Fabinho, Thiago and Henderson.

Who is the man in the middle up front? Having thought for a few weeks that Firmino would start here...I'm going with Nunez. He has serious momentum following that Community Shield strike. The Brazilian can be Plan B after an hour instead.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.

A new season brings fresh hope and expectation among any fanbase but I suspect we’ll be seeing a familiar Liverpool team at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

Jurgen Klopp has a something of an injury crisis heading into the first game of the new campaign, but has the wealth of resources to still field a strong side against Fulham.

Alisson Becker, despite missing virtually all of pre-season starts in goal behind a back four of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson.

In midfield, there is a claim to be made for Harvey Elliott but I reckon Klopp will go with the tried and tested formula of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara.

Up top, I’d like to see big Darwin Nunez get the nod but I suspect the manager will ease the £64m man in gradually. Roberto Firmino down the middle with Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz either side.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Henderson; Salah, Firmino, Diaz.

Salah and Diaz to do damage along with Firmino

Charlotte Coates: The Premier League is back and so is Liverpool, so buckle up because it's going to be another season of thrills and spills.

Pre-season has seen Liverpool build up a decent amount of injuries, but this shouldn't bother team selection too much.

In goal will be Alisson, who has recovered from an injury that saw him miss the majority of pre-season. Alexander-Arnold to retake his spot at right-back while Matip and Van Dijk will sit in the heart of the defence. Robertson will be named at left-back.

Fabinho will sit in front of the back four and I'll go with captain Henderson and maestro Thiago either side.

Now, this is where there is some debate. Will Nunez be named in the starting XI? I don't think so. Diaz will start on the left with Salah on the right. Firmino will play down the middle of the three.

I think the Uruguayan is ready to go straight into Premier League football and will lead the line alongside Diaz and Salah - Fulham’s back four will be having nightmares about the prospect, no doubt.

My team (4-3-3): Allison; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.