???️ TRANMERE V LIVERPOOL MATCH PREVIEW

Liverpool will be kicking off their pre-season fixtures with a match against local rivals, Tranmere Rovers on Wednesday 12th of July at Prenton Park. Liverpool’s pre-season training started on the 5th July, so this game against Tranmere will be a gentle ease back into playing 45 minutes of football, and also a chance to see plenty of rotation. Liverpool last faced Tranmere Rovers last pre-season – the 8th July 2016, again at Prenton park, the reds came away 1-0 winners thanks to a Danny Ings goal. With the game also being early on, it was an ideal time for players to be rotated and Liverpool made 11 changes at half time, even Bogdan got a run out, and even more impressively, a clean sheet. The formation used was 4-2-3-1 and so the formation used By Jurgen this time round may not be a reflection of what he intends to use during the upcoming Premier League and Champions League campaign (providing we qualify). This was also the first time we were able to see Mane, Matip and Karius play for the reds and so hopefully we will be able to see a particular Egyptian winger this time round, pretty please Jurgen… Looking to a possible starting line-up, it’s hard to predict exactly, although a definite omission will be Emre Can, who recently helped Germany to win the Confederations Cup. Dom Solanke, who won the Golden Ball at the Under-20 World Cup, which England won in South Korea, has been ranked as the second fittest in the team, and so could feature. Sheyi Ojo and Ovie Ejaria were also at the tournament, however with rumours of Ojo going out of loan, we may not see him. For Ejaria this could be a chance to impress Jurgen. As I previously said there is a chance we could see Mo Salah for the first time, Which would be great to see a glimpse of the pace and excitement he’ll bring to the team next season. This game could come to soon for Danny Ings though, who is still recovering from injury. Joe Gomez is said to be fit and so could be utilised by Klopp in defence. For other youth such as Woodburn, Trent and Shamal George (primarily as a GK although if needs be leading the line) there is a chance for them to be somehow involved in this game. Tranmere haven’t been very busy in the transfer market, similar to Liverpool, however they have picked up recently released Liverpool attacker Jack Dunn. Apart from that there is nothing to report on a transfer front. Tranmere suffered a heartbreaking promotion play-off final vs Forest Green Rovers at the end of last season and so I believe that they will be looking to give their best performers from last season the chance to test themselves against a quality side. I expect to see big physical and experienced centre half Phil McNulty. Their captain, again an experienced midfielder, Steve Jennings. Also their top scorer last season with 23 goals in the national league, Andy Cook. Tranmere only have one week extra preparation for this game and so although Liverpool will likely be slightly rusty going into the game, I can’t see anything apart from a Liverpool win. However the way in which we will get the win for me could go any way. I will opt for a lower scoring game, Liverpool scoring 2. However I don’t see Tranmere scoring at all. With the team selection I think it’s likely that there will again be 11 changes at half time, and therefore hard to predict who will get game time. I’ll go through some players though that I think could feature in the game. Although we used 4-3-3 last season, I don’t necessarily think that will be the formation used, as Klopp could just select a formation that suits the players he has available. I think that in goal, Karius will start, as Mignolet has only just returned to training and so it seems more likely the German will be given a chance in between the sticks. Also Ward could be given some game time as his future for the coming season is currently unknown. In the back four I would like to see Trent play, this is only going to be a positive experience and will help his experience, confidence and fitness. Secondly Gomez as he’s been out for a while and the sooner he starts to play the quicker he’ll be back to match fitness. At left back I think Klopp will start Milner, as he’s the fittest player in the squad and we aren’t flooded with left-backs. I also think Flanagan will get some game time, as this pre-season will determine his future with the reds. I think that Lucas will get some game time as he’s just that ever reliable player that will do a job for Klopp. I think youngsters Harry Wilson and Woodburn will feature, as this is the perfect time for the youngsters to get some first team experience. For Mo Salah, this could be the chance for him to make his Liverpool debut, a very exciting prospect for fans. Firmino should also play a part in the game as he’s been in pre-season training since the 5th. Looking towards the game, I think that there won’t be the same intensity of game, due to how early on we are in pre-season. However I think that we will be dominant throughout the game, with possession and chances. This is also a great chance for some of the younger players to get some game time for the reds, and improve their confidence and allow them to gain some experience. For players such as Flanagan, this is also a very important pre-season, as his future is undecided as to whether he’ll be part of Liverpools squad going into the season, out on loan once again, or sold to another club not as prestigious as Liverpool. Finally, what can be said about this game is that it will be great to see the boys, and Jurgen back in action.