Dugout Discussion

Salah and key defenders start for Liverpool as Mané benched

As expected, Sadio Mané (£11.5m) has been named on the bench for Liverpool’s opening Premier League match of the season.

The Senegalese international missed all of the club’s pre-season friendly campaign and was always a doubt to be involved against Norwich.

Jurgen Klopp did not appear too fazed by not being able to include Mané in the starting XI.

As had been predicted, Divock Origi (£5.5m) starts on the left flank of the forward line in the 4-3-3 system.

“I’m happy with how it is now. It’s not about me it’s about the players. If the player aren’t available or fit they are the things we have to deal with.” – Jurgen Klopp

The Belgian features alongside Roberto Firmino (£9.5m) in a central role while Mohamed Salah (£12.5m), the winner of the Gameweek 1 captain poll, is on the right flank.

There was keen interest in Liverpool’s defence over the summer and all three key individuals find themselves in the starting XI.

Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.0m) are on the left and right flanks of the back-four, with Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) in the middle.

Paired with the Dutchman at centre-back is Joe Gomez (£5.5m), which comes as welcome news to those invested in Alexander-Arnold.

After the Englishman replaced his compatriot around the hour mark in the Community Shield final, with Joel Matip (£5.5m) starting that match at centre-back, there had been some concern over Alexander-Arnold’s role.

However, a home match against newly-promoted opposition was clearly seen as a different prospect to Manchester City at Wembley by Klopp, who clearly favours playing the more attacking full-back in this one.

Norwich line up in the 4-2-3-1 formation that Daniel Farke was so fond of on his way to securing the Championship title last season.

There was only one change to our predicted line-up provided by team news correspondent Neale Rigg.

Todd Cantwell (£4.5m) has been handed a start on the left side of attacking midfield, alongside Marco Stiepermann (£6.0m) and Emi Buendía (£6.0m).

That means Onel Hernandez (£5.5m) taking up a spot on the bench.

As expected, Grant Hanley (£4.0m) starts at centre-back alongside Ben Godfrey (£4.5m) with Timm Klose (£4.5m) and Christoph Zimmermann (£4.5m) injured.

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Robertson, van Dijk, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold; Wijnaldum, Henderson, Fabinho; Origi, Firmino, Salah.

Substitutes: Adrian, Milner, Keita, Mané, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Shaqiri, Matip.

Norwich XI (4-2-3-1): Krul; Lewis, Godfrey, Hanley, Aarons; McLean, Trybull; Cantwell, Stiepermann, Buendía; Pukki.

Substitutes: Fahrmann, Byram, Roberts, Vrancic, Leitner, O Hernandez, Drmic

2,602 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Totti
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    thanks god that i went with arnold and VVD with the double up of liver defence 🙂

    1. Semaj1990
        4 years, 7 months ago

        You are thanking god for not having any clean sheets when half your defence have played.

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Are you a a bit stupid?

          1. Semaj1990
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Not at all. Are you?

          2. Totti
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            yes 🙂
            cuz i got 13 points from 2 players 🙂
            more than 2 CS for 2 defenders 🙂
            what are u talking about?? 🙂
            r u kidding?

      • Lukey27
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        TAA 1 Robbo 0

        1. TheDragon
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          It’s 38 weeks chilax

          1. Lukey27
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Robbo>TAA
            What do you think?

          2. Brosstan
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Well that's true but it's still 1-0

        2. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          VVD 1
          Robbo + TAA 0

          1. Salah’s Sonnet
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            this

        3. Warby84
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Robertson still the best choice

      • Rainer
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        After that defensive display and potentially missing Alisson for x amount of games. Matip might be needed with Gomez at RB for the tough and/or away games.

        Not ideal for Trent owners!

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Gomez wasn’t much better. Don’t think Klopp will take that performance seriously everyone was nervous on that pitch that’ll all be settled now.
          Non TAA owner

        2. Reckoner.
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Straws, Clutching

        3. A Fat Spanish Waiter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          In fact, I though Gomez was terrible. We was slow to track back (though not as bad as vvd) and was caught ball watching more than once.

        4. Paul Psychic Octopus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Klopp's played Gomez at RB before when he feels he needs a stronger defensive set-up.

          The flip side of that is if you play a high press as Liverpool do, then you need the back four to play a high line. Which means you need pace defenders. Which is why TAA should be the first choice RB. Doesn't mean he will always starts though.

          VVD by far the best option. 0.5 m cheaper than TAA/Gomez as well.

      • andrewe63
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Cesc Fabregas sent off for Monaco.

        Flashscore reckons he was sent off for 'Roughing'

      • Sim Simma
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Krul will do well against his old team next week

      • jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Wow, considering the score at HT, really got out of jail in the end!
        No Salah, TAA or VVD...could have been so much worse...phew!

        1. TheDragon
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Still pretty bad! But it’s only 1 game

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I had plenty of firepower left so could be ok.

        2. Valar(Keith)
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Are you playing la liga fantasy by some chance? :). How can you have none of them?

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Took VVD out last minute, moving away from double LIV defence to fund Bobby...so have Robbo and Bobby

      • camarozz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        40 man league.

        As I scrolled down the list of top 12 say,

        7 don't own Salah.

        4 don't own Salah or a city attacker

        This is gonna be easy lol

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Who does that?!

      • have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        hopefully there is some wankery and VVD sneaks a bap ahead of Pukki

      • Old Bull
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        30pts from 3 before bps. I’m ok with that

        1. FPL_Gyarados
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Same here. Pretty happy!

      • Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Trent, a wonderfully mature man at such a young age

        1. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Hahaha.

        2. HurriKane
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Tbh he was suspect again at the back. Surely a doubt for big games

          1. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Was referring to him in interviews

        3. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          he is rather good

      • The Chosen One...
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Officially a Robbo fail

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          He might be dropped.

          1. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Dropped lol?

            1. GreennRed
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Not familiar with sarcasm....

        2. Rust Cohle
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          LOL

        3. jia you
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          fail today but still a season keeper for me...us owners will have our days in the sun!

          1. FPL_Gyarados
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I hope we do! 🙂

        1. ZLNR
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Thanks for the repost TM had missed it thus far

      • Limbo
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Could not have gone better on the acca

        https://imgur.com/gallery/dZvMFIt

        🙂

        1. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          (Aim to Cash our after 60 mins tomorrow if games are going my way)

      • Moore FPL
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Was hoping for 1 more attacking return from Salah but ah well

      • Rainer
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Origi - 46
        Salah - 40
        Pukki - 32

        Salah only tackled once 😮

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Who ever would have thought

        2. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Where's VVD?! The BAPS monsta

      • Dr. Rog
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        49 with 8 to play. rank should be top 1k

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          1st GW, but yeH thats good

        2. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Should have got Pukki and his assist mate.

          1. Dr. Rog
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            rank 1 will have VVD, Origi, Salah (tc) & Pukki

            1. FPL Forward Thinker
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              I’m pleased with VVD, Origi and Salah (c).

              Pure luck

        3. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Don't you mean "49 from 3 - any good?"

        4. Guy Demel
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          You'll be lucky, they'll be thousands with triple captian Salah, 3 pool and 3 Norwich that will only play for tonights score.

          1. FPL Forward Thinker
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I calculated 69 point roof

        5. FPL Forward Thinker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Who do you own?

          1. FPL Forward Thinker
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Salah TC “36” TAA “5” and VVD “8”. ?

            1. TheDragon
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              If it was TC then it was a fail

          2. Dr. Rog
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            TAA VVD Salah(tc)

        6. TheDragon
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          We are 1 game in - I’m all for bragging but even for me it’s a little early!

      • goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        A bit frustrating as a double defence owner. Hopefully Alisson isn't out for too long..

        Pukki and Buendia look fun!

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Same

        2. Athletic Nasherbo
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I own Buendia. Benched him this week but looks decent!

      • Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Gomez asked if he was first choice in interview after that performance lol

        1. Top Lad Dakes.
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Stupid question from the interviewer really

        2. A Fat Spanish Waiter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          He was rubbish today.

      • bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        34 including BAPS, feels disappointing after that second half.

        1. Yes Don
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I'm on 56 when BAPS are in, I reckon

      • dg
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        3558 people have transferred Mane out. hahahahaah. dg

      • LangerznMash
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Are the Triple Captain Salah folk happy?
        I think we can do better.

        1. Smurf
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Great first half, no where to be seen second half.

        2. Guy Demel
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          goal, assist and 2 baps - would have banked that tbh

          1. LangerznMash
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Not enough for me.

      • FPL Forward Thinker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        69 points anyone??

        I have to be pleased with 44 points from 3

      • Net Gains
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Anyone have any idea when the H2H leagues will show our rivals? Is this normal?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Tomorrow or when the game updates.

      • Deck
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Norwich won the second half 1-0

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          When's the parade?

          1. Deck
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Just a little sign that the scoreline isn't as bad as it first seems

      • have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Someone somewhere has Salah(TC) VVD + Origi

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Someone somewhere has that + Pukki and two other Norwich

          1. moment
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Yup, I learned from my 86 from 3 Friday night at the end of last season that someone somewhere always has what you have plus some nonsensical other players

          2. have you seen cyan
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            lol

        2. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          And Pukki

        3. threeputt
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          someone somewhere will have packed his team with Pool & Norwich and a tc with the hope of being no.1 for a day

        4. FPL Forward Thinker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I only captained Salah and punted on Virgil and Divock.

      • Pulp Minion
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Over 820 people have transfered Allison IN

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          People trying to get the lowest valued team

        2. Dr. Rog
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          min points game

        3. Kobayashy
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Could be anti-FPL leagues.

      • Team17
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        49 with 8 to go. Still, it was looking like 70+ at half time so doesn't quite feel like an unalloyed success ...

        1. Make Arrows Green Again
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          +1 for unalloyed

      • Mr Peanutbutter
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        is 80 with 11 to play any good?

        1. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          sounds impossible.

        2. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Not bad for a sandwich spread.

          1. Mr Peanutbutter
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            im actually a dog

        3. FPL Forward Thinker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          69 is maximum dude

          36+12+8+7+4+2 = 69

          1. Mr Peanutbutter
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            woosh

      • Kobayashy
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Very happy with the returns from Salah (C), VVD and Robbo. Robbo looked nice and lively, unlucky not to get any attacking returns and shame about the CS/Alisson injury.

        Still, although it was tempting I'm glad I didn't TC Salah in the end, would've expected a bit more for that chip!

      • Canary_Kid
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Norwich attackers will be very popular when the fixtures clear up

        1. Freshy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          puke might be fixture proof

        2. dg
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I saw my wife having sex with my best friend in my swimming pool on the same day I discovered my farther stealing my shares. dg

          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            thats how I felt when I Triple captained Andy Carroll

          2. GreennRed
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Your dog can swim?????

        3. Lanley Staurel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Wait and see. Not sure. You might be biased 🙂