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26th July 2018
04:49pm BST

Alisson, of course, starts in goal. In European football last season, only David de Gea (80.28%) and Jan Oblak (82.68%) had a better save percentage than Alisson (79.26%). The Brazilian's distribution is also excellent. Even if Karius did not make those errors, and even if Klopp was convinced by Mignolet, Alisson would still start for Liverpool. He looks to be a class above the club's current 'keepers.
After a brilliant campaign last year, Andrew Robertson will undoubtedly start at left-back. Virgil van Dijk will also start in central defence and already looks like a leader for the team, less than a year after joining from Southampton.
It's not quite so clear who will start alongside Robertson and Van Dijk. Dejan Lovren played in the World Cup final for Croatia and will miss most of Liverpool's pre-season. Whether he returns to training in time to be considered for the West Ham match remains to be seen.
Joel Matip didn't feature in Russia but picked up a muscle strain on Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States, and returned to Melwood for treatment. The defender may still be available for the first day of the season, if not Ragnar Klavan could get the nod to start alongside Van Dijk. Nathaniel Clyne may start at right-back ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold, as the young full-back was part England's World Cup squad that finished fourth at the tournament.
In midfield, Fabinho looks certain to start, especially as Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson missed most of pre-season because of his involvement with England. Georginio Wijnaldum has recently returned to training and should start in midfield. Keita, the club's new number eight, should also start.
Liverpool's front-three picks itself. Barring any injuries or fitness issues, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane will start the match against West Ham at Anfield. Shaqiri will be an option from the bench.
It's difficult to take too much from what happens in pre-season. Manchester United played some great football under Louis van Gaal during pre-season in 2014 but rarely played exciting football again over the next two years. Everton bought several expensive players last summer, and arguably regressed last season.
But Liverpool do look well-placed to have a good season. They've bought quality players to fill previous problem positions and added more options to the squad. If they can carry on from where they left off last season, it could be another exciting campaign.
Some might even say it could be their year. They should have too much for West Ham at Anfield anyway.Explore more on these topics: