With a new manager in Arne Slot, it is not 100% clear what Liverpool’s starting lineup will look like. Big stars are yet to play a pre-season match after extended summer breaks due to international tournaments, and it seems that there will be a new formation. Here is our Liverpool predicted lineup for the 2024/25 season.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup for Huge Transitional 2024/25 Season
A New Formation
Slot brings a slightly different formation to Anfield, after nine years of the 4-3-3 under Jurgen Klopp. The Dutchman prefers a 4-2-3-1 with a double-pivot and a very advanced midfielder.
In pre-season, we saw this have a positive impact on Dominik Szoboszlai, who seemed to thrive in a more attacking role similar to one that he had previously had at RB Leipzig. Playing with two defensive midfielders could also provide more stability. Liverpool were often prone to direct counter-attacks last season; a new formation could help combat this.
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This could also see the wingers’ roles slightly changing. Mohamed Salah played as an inside-forward under Klopp, almost as a striker with the positions that he was getting into. We could see him in a slightly more creative role, though the truth is that this has been happening anyway, due to his increasing age.
Wataru Endo to Lose His Spot
It looks likely that Wataru Endo could lose his spot in the starting lineup this season, despite only joining last summer and starting 20 matches last campaign. This may seem strange considering, at points, he was one of Liverpool’s best players.
However, the Japan international’s form did decline towards the end of the season. Furthermore, his signing was arguably a bit of a panic buy as The Reds truly wanted Romeo Lavia, who chose Chelsea instead. At 30-years-old, Endo could be viewed as a bit of a stopgap for the past year, and it looks like a new number six will replace him this season.
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That number six could be Martin Zubimendi, who Liverpool have been linked with. Whoever they do sign will start next to Alexis Mac Allister in the double-pivot, with Szoboszlai the attacking midfielder.
Who Could Break Into the Starting Lineup?
With a new manager comes the opportunity for rotational players to break into the starting lineup. In pre-season, Curtis Jones started every match for Slot, despite playing a bit-part role during Klopp’s final months. Whilst it seems unlikely for Jones to be a regular starter, he could begin the Premier League season in the lineup, and provide cover when injuries and fatigue strike.
A more likely starter is Diogo Jota, who could replace Darwin Nunez in the lineup. Nunez played in 36 out of 38 Premier League matches last season, but only scored 11. Jota, or even Cody Gakpo, could be preferred by Slot as the striker.
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Other players that have thrived in pre-season include Jarell Quansah and Fabio Carvalho. As youngsters, they may not break into the lineup every week, but could certainly play significant minutes. There is potential for the former to displace Ibrahima Konate at centre-back.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup for 2024/25 Season
GK: Alisson Becker
LB: Andy Robertson
CB: Virgil van Dijk
CB: Ibrahima Konate
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
DM: Alexis Mac Allister
DM: New Signing
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai
LW: Luis Diaz
CF: Diogo Jota
RW: Mohamed Salah
