RW) Jordon Ibe
We’ve already been near enough promised that the teenager is going to start in this one (via the Echo). After being the stand-out player during our pre-season campaign, which included a wonderful solo goal against the Malaysia XI, he thoroughly deserves his chance on the right-hand side.
LW) Adam Lallana
With Firmino unlikely to be fit to feature from the start, it should be Lallana that completes the five-man midfield. The England international also had a fine pre-season, scoring a couple of goals and looking much fitter than he did this time last year, when an injury caused him to miss the start of our new campaign.
ST) Christian Benteke
The big Belgian should get the nod after his brilliant debut goal during the friendly against Swindon. He’s unlikely to play the full ninety minutes, considering his outing against the Robins was his first of pre-season, but he should have the likes of Danny Ings and Divock Origi waiting in the wings.
