LIVERPOOL

1 HAS BACK FOUR SPRUNG A LEAK?

LIVERPOOL’S only pre-season clean sheet was against Tranmere on July 11. They conceded some silly goals and the trend continued in the first half at Wembley, as David Silva and Raheem Sterling sprang a flimsy offside trap. Jurgen Klopp started Trent Alexander-Arnold at right back on Sunday, with Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk in the middle. Alexander-Arnold was rusty and things improved when Joel Matip was introduced in the second half. It could be that Gomez is used on the right against Norwich and Klopp restores the partnership of Matip and Van Dijk that was so obstinate late last season.

2 CLEAN THE RUST FROM ALISSON

ALISSON is one of the top three goalkeepers in the world, but he only returned to training eight days ago and in the two games he has played, a friendly against Lyon and the Community Shield, he looked off the pace. Liverpool have signed Adrian, the former West Ham goalkeeper, to provide cover for Alisson following Simon Mignolet’s £6m move to Club Brugge. He will be expected to help rouse the Brazilian immediately.

3 REMIND MO TO PASS!

MOHAMED SALAH was superb against City, but his shooting lacked accuracy. The Egyptian can cause tremendous damage when he cuts in from right to left but he doesn’t always have to go for goal. He might be Liverpool’s most prolific scorer, but he had a tendency last season to go it alone too often. If he raises his head, he might be even more formidable.

4 MANAGE THE MAIN MANE

SADIO MANE, the dashing Senegal forward, returned to Melwood at 4pm yesterday. After completing a season on July 17 that lasted 359 days, a two-and-a-half week break is not going to be enough for him to recharge. How Klopp manages him in these early stages will be crucial.

5 ... AND THE WORKLOAD

LIVERPOOL can be champions but they could also have the most demanding schedule. Klopp has been careful with his training this summer, but coping with the travel, the extra games and the focus will be just as important as coping with the threat on the pitch. If he finds answers to both, this season has many possibilities.