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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

Liverpool's Joel Matip conundrum and why Jurgen Klopp faces poser over Sadio Mane

Liverpool began their Premier League campaign in impressive fashion with a 4-1 dismissal of Norwich City at Anfield on Friday.

It was their 12th successive win over a promoted side in the top flight, a spell during which they have scored 35 goals and conceded only four.

The Reds will now park their domestic ambitions temporarily as they aim to secure their first silverware of the season with Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup match against Chelsea in Istanbul.

Against Norwich, Jurgen Klopp stuck with the side that lost the Community Shield to Manchester City on penalties at Wembley five days earlier.

But what does Klopp have up his sleeve for the midweek game at Besiktas's Vodafone Park?

The Matip conundrum

If there was one concern about Liverpool's performance against Norwich, it was the defending which, as during much of pre-season, appeared a little loose.

One change Klopp will definitely have to make is bringing in new signing Adrian for a first start with first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker facing a spell on the sidelines with a calf problem.

And there may be at least one other change at the back.

Jurgen Klopp with the latest on Alisson's injury

Joe Gomez has started the last two games but, having spent so long on the sidelines, probably won't be risked for a third time in 10 days.

Joel Matip was unfortunate not to start the season, so will have a point to prove.

Dejan Lovren didn't even make the bench against Norwich but, with Liverpool able to name 12 substitutes in Istanbul, he and Adam Lallana, another to miss out on Friday, will be involved.

The Mane poser

With Liverpool having scored four goals in the first half, there was never any chance of Sadio Mane being given anything other than a brief run-out on Friday.

Not least with Divock Origi in fine form as a replacement down the left with an assist and a goal.

Mane appeared lively in his late cameo, but had less than three weeks off before his return to training at the start of last week. Is he worth risking with Southampton away following so soon after on Saturday afternoon?

Xherdan Shaqiri will also be pressing for a place in the front three if Klopp decides to rotate.

But it's in midfield where there could be further changes, with James Milner and Naby Keita both ready to step in.

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