Liverpool will be kicking off their 2021-22 Premier League campaign against the winners of the previous Championship campaign Norwich City.
Once again Liverpool will be facing a newly promoted team on their inaugural of the Premier League this season. The Reds will be eager to kick start a fresh season after a topsy-turvy Premier League campaign in the last season.
Jurgen Klopp’s side will be travelling to Carrow Road for their opening fixture unlike the last edition this time around the Reds will begin their campaign away from Anfield.
Norwich City vs Liverpool: Match Preview
The former Premier League champions will be looking forward to opening their campaign with all three points in their bag. With the Pre-Season coming to an end Liverpool still looks vulnerable at the back even after the return of their star defender Virgil van Dijk. Moreover, the Reds were able to manage only 3 clean sheets out of their 8 pre-season friendlies.
Talking about the offensive aspect, Liverpool are still searching for a regular goalscorer, who can win the tight matches for them. In addition to that, looking at the Reds current form in the friendlies Klopp’s men have drawn 3, won 4 and lost 1 game, which indicates that there is yet a lot of room for improvement not only in the defensive aspect but also in the attacking department.
On the other side, Norwich City will be full of confidence coming into this match winning the EFL championship title. Meanwhile, unlike Liverpool, The Canaries have shown a consistent performance in their pre-season winning all three matches.
Just like the last season, when Liverpool started their journey facing Leeds United (the winners of the 2020 Championship) , which eventually proved to be a blockbuster match, one could expect a similar battle for this fixture as well.
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Team News:
Liverpool will miss the service of their left-back Andy Robertson, who recently suffered ankle ligament damage. Alongside Robertson, Curtis Jones will also be missing out on his duties due to Concussion protocols.
Talking about the remaining squad in the pre-match press conference Klopp said
“They are all here, all our players are here in the moment and that means we have to make selections,”.
Looking at the options available Kostas Tsimikas could feature replacing the injured Robertson. While Konate could be seen making his debut paring with the returning van Dijk. Furthermore, the fans might still have to wait to see the dream trio mid (Fabinho, Henderson, and Thiago) playing together.
Speaking of Thiago and Hendo Klopp said
“Of course, Hendo and Thiago started late to train so their pre-season. If you want, started last week and they need it because we don’t prepare for one game,”.
Liverpool probable starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Fabinho, Thiago, Milner; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Norwich City vs Liverpool : Prediction
It is going to be an exciting week for the Liverpool fans. One making his long term return while one making his debut in the Premier League. It’s been a while since we have seen Liverpool with a full-strength squad hence, it could end up as Norwich City 1-3 Liverpool.
Liverpool is my Religion and Anfield is my Church. 17th May 1996 the date I had my blood coloured red. The one you love the most you can not live without it and that is football to me.
