Liverpool expected teams and starting lineups for Real Betis as the Arne Slot era begins in Pittsburgh on the Reds’ pre-season tour of the United States.
Liverpool will face Real Betis in the opening leg of their USA tour on Saturday AM (UK time). And the world’s eyes will be on the Reds when Arne Slot gives fans their first look at his Liverpool side in Pittsburgh.
Indeed, Liverpool fans will analyze his team selection, tactical philosophy, and substitutes as they prepare for their first new manager in nine years.
So, who should he pick for the first televised match of Slot’s reign? Our writers have their say.
Paul Gorst
So, with the behind-closed-doors defeat to Preston, the Arne Slot era at Liverpool officially begins in Pittsburgh this evening.
There aren’t many major stars in the ranks right now, but there will be opportunities for individuals who consider themselves vital first-team members.
Caoimhin Kelleher can play 45 minutes before Vite Jaros is given a run out, and Conor Bradley can be drafted into right-back with Jarell Quansah and Sepp van den Berg. Andy Robertson is on the left.
Wataru Endo can patrol the midfield with Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai on either side. Trey Nyoni, a fantastic player with a promising future, can also play some minutes. The same is true for Stefan Bajcetic.
Mohamed Salah is on the right side, Fabio Carvalho is still trying out as a false nine, and Ben Doak has a spot on the left. Kaide Gordon is another player who will see action in Pittsburgh.
My team (4-3-3): Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, Van den Berg, Robertson; Endo, Elliott, Szoboszlai; Salah, Carvalho, and Doak.
Ian Doyle
It’s a definite sign that the new season isn’t far away when we’re starting to wonder who Liverpool might field in their next game, even if it’s just a friendly.
However, the game against Real Betis will be the first opportunity for fans to watch Arne Slot’s new-look squad in action.
Except that the tactical approach will provide the necessary novelty. There have been no new acquisitions, therefore the squad remains the same as last season, minus a huge number of internationals but with the return of certain loanees.
What is Slot gonna do with his starting lineup?
He’ll most likely have to go as strong as he can with the individuals he has available. That leaves Caoimhin Kelleher in goal, Andy Robertson at left back, and Conor Bradley at right back. Jarell Quansah can be paired with Sepp van den Berg at center back.
Wataru Endo did not start Liverpool’s first friendly against Preston, thus Curtis Jones took his place at number six. This time, however, I’d go with the two of them together, with Dominik Szoboszlai leading.
As a result, Harvey Elliott is a withdrawn winger on the right, Fabio Carvalho is similarly positioned on the left, and Mohamed Salah plays down the middle.
My team (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Bradley, Van den Berg, Quansah, Robertson; Endo, Jones; Elliott, Szoboszlai, and Carvalho; Salah.
Joe Rimmer
First impressions are essential. Pre-season friendly are the same, regardless of how much people disdain them.
Momentum is important in football, and a bad preseason may carry over into the entire season. And vice versa. Don’t forget that the world’s attention is now on these warm-up games, and with Premier League opponents on the horizon, there is a lot to learn from these games.
This is why there will be a lot of interest in Arne Slot’s first team, tactics, and system when Liverpool face Betis in the early hours of Saturday morning (UK time).
I’d like to see him go as strong as possible right away, with young players coming on as the game continues, and for us to get a good look at one or two of the players whose auditions are essential this preseason. I’m thinking about Sepp van den Berg, Fabio Carvalho, Tyler Morton, and others.
My team (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Bradley, Van den Berg, Quansah, Robertson; Endo, Morton; Elliott, Jones, and Carvalho; Salah.
