Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jake Polden

Liverpool predicted XI for Premier League opener as Jurgen Klopp makes Gini Wijnaldum decision

Premier League champions Liverpool kick-start the defence of their title by playing host to newly-promoted Leeds this weekend.

Jurgen Klopp's Reds are in relatively good shape going into their season opener but are set to be without their captain on Saturday.

Jordan Henderson has picked up a knee injury, and it seems unlikely that Klopp will rush him back to the starting XI.

"Timing-wise, not perfect that he cannot play today, but can train a few days later fully. But that's how it is," said Klopp, when providing an update on the England international.

"We will see how he develops, [there are] a few days until Leeds, how the boys come back from the national teams.

"A lot of open questions still, but a few hopefully we can answer today."

Premier League champions Liverpool kick-start the defence against Leeds (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who missed the Community Shield defeat by Arsenal, is also out of contention for Liverpool with a knee injury.

Meanwhile, new signing Kostas Tsimikas remains in isolation after testing positive for the coronavirus, and Xherdan Shaqiri is suffering with a minor muscle strain.

Klopp's back five and front three are expected to look as normal, with Fabinho also retaining his place in the centre of the park.

Ahead of him, Klopp is expected to play utility man James Milner against his former side alongside Georginio Wijnaldum.

Georginio Wijnaldum is expected to start for the Reds this weekend (REUTERS)

The Holland international has been heavily linked with a move away in recent months, but Klopp held positive talks with the midfielder this week.

He is expected to stay on at Liverpool, which could once and for all rule out the Reds signing Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich.

Liverpool's predicted line-up vs Leeds: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, van Dijk, Robertson; Milner, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane

* Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.