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Attendance: 53,333

Premier League | Gameweek 1

Aug 9, 2019 at 8pm UK

Liverpool
4-1
Norwich Norwich City

Hanley (7' og.), Salah (19'), van Dijk (28'), Origi (42')

FT(HT: 4-0)

Pukki (64')

How Liverpool could line up against Norwich City

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 07 August 2019

Sports Mole looks at how Liverpool could line up for the opening match of the 2019-20 Premier League season as they host newly-promoted Norwich City at Anfield.

Liverpool will kick off the 2019-20 Premier League season on Friday night when they host newly-promoted Norwich City at Anfield.

Last season's runners-up, and the reigning European champions, have been heavily tipped to push for the title again this term as they once more endeavour to end a drought which extends back to 1990.

The Reds could hardly have been handed a kinder start on paper given their home form and recent record against Norwich City, and they will aim to lay down an early marker to the rest of the division.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Jurgen Klopp could set his side up for the Premier League curtain-raiser.

Possible LIV XI vs. NOR © Reuters

It could be that Sunday's Community Shield penalty shootout defeat to Manchester City provided a glimpse of what Liverpool's starting XI for the Premier League opener will be.

The glaring omission from the team is Sadio Mane, who has scored in each of his past three opening-day matches and jointly won the Golden Boot last season.

The winger is back training with Liverpool after being given an extended break in order to recover from his exploits at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped Senegal all the way to the final.

However, he played no part in pre-season or the Community Shield, and so Klopp may decide to start Champions League hero Divock Origi alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino for now.

Midfield is arguably the most competitive area of the Liverpool team, with Naby Keita, Georginio Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Adam Lallana, James Milner, Jordan Henderson and the fit-again Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all vying for starting roles.

Milner is a doubt after picking up a knock at Wembley last weekend, and Klopp could again stick with the trio that began that match against Man City.

The only defensive position up for grabs appears to be the centre-back slot alongside Virgil van Dijk, which Joe Gomez occupied at Wembley but for which Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip are also in contention.