Liverpool's first game back since the World Cup break sees them tackle Ligue 1 giants Lyon in Saturday's Dubai Super Cup clash at the Al Maktoum Stadium.

Jurgen Klopp's side travelled to the Middle East without their World Cup representatives, as Jordan Henderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate compete for international stardom.

Darwin Nunez's Uruguay were eliminated at the first hurdle, and the attacker is due to link up with his Reds teammates next week, but he will not be available for the weekend.

Klopp should put out an experienced first XI before bringing on the academy players in abundance during the second period, and Caoimhin Kelleher can expect a start in goal.

Joe Gomez and Joel Matip could form a formidable partnership in front of Kelleher, as Andy Robertson and Calvin Ramsay provide a Scottish presence in the wide areas.

The experience of James Milner may be utilised from the first whistle, and the 36-year-old could find himself alongside Thiago Alcantara and Harvey Elliott in the midfield trident.

Two of the famed old guard in Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino ought to start in the final third, with Fabio Carvalho the most likely candidate to complete the initial Reds XI after Luis Diaz suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury.

During the latter stages of the game, valuable first-team minutes should arrive for a wealth of academy players such as Ben Doak, Melkamu Frauendorf, Jarell Quansah and Dominic Corness.

Liverpool possible starting lineup: Kelleher; Ramsay, Matip, Gomez, Robertson; Elliott, Thiago, Milner; Salah, Firmino, Carvalho