Liverpool's dream XI for first game of Premier League season after Crystal Palace lesson

Liverpool head into the new Premier League season as defending champions - and will hope to say the same in 12 months’ time. Arne Slot’s side are very keen to keep hold of their crown, having spent heavily in the transfer market.

The Reds have welcomed former Bayer Leverkusen duo Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, while Hugo Ekitike and Milos Kerkez are also among their headline arrivals. Slot’s men might not be quite finished there either.

Liverpool also have an interest in Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and have already had a huge bid turned down for the Swedish forward. A centre-back is also on their agenda amid interest in Marc Guehi.

So with just a few days to go until Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth at Anfield, Slot has been left with a few decisions to make when it comes to his starting XI. And those questions might have grown following the shock defeat to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley.

Mirror Football takes a look at the side that could potentially take to the pitch on Friday evening…

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Starting in goal, it looks as though Slot has a relatively easy decision. Alisson has long been Liverpool’s number one and will remain so despite the summer arrival of ex-Valencia man Giorgi Mamardashvilli.

Moving into defence, there should be two summer signings drafted straight in. Jeremie Frimpong will be stationed on the right following his goal at Wembley.

Ex-Bournemouth man Milos Kerkez will also start against his former side. Despite interest in Guehi, it appears highly unlikely that the defender will arrive at Anfield before Friday evening’s game so both Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate should be named on the teamsheet.

What starting XI should Arne Slot name vs Bournemouth?Share your thoughts in the comments below

Midfield potentially has a spot up for grabs. Hungarian playmaker Dominik Szoboszlai will likely start should he not pick up an injury over the coming week.

And despite Curtis Jones having started at Wembley, Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister stepped up his comeback having been introduced as a substitute. Should he not show any adverse reaction, then he looks likely to be drafted back into the starting XI.

Fans will then get to see Florian Wirtz take to a Premier League pitch for the first time as he claims the number 10 role. On the topic of new signings, there could also be a few stationed in what looks like an electric Liverpool front three.

Egyptian sensation Mohamed Salah is one of the first names on the teamsheet under Slot and will claim his place on the right. Hugo Ekitike should also play following his goal at Wembley but he could potentially be moved out to the left in the place of Cody Gakpo.

Given Slot’s desire for a new striker, it would not be silly to suggest that he’d be keen to put Alexander Isak into his starting XI. Of course, it appears unlikely that a deal will be sealed over the next few days but if there is a realistic chance of signing him then the club will be doing all they can to secure his signature.

Liverpool’s potential starting XI vs Bournemouth: Alisson; Frimpong, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Salah, Ekitike, Isak.

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