Liverpool’s real campaign begins now. While the Reds lost at Wembley last Sunday, with Crystal Palace claiming the Community Shield after a penalty shootout, few supporters will have been overly concerned by the setback.

The season’s opener offered a first look at Arne Slot’s revamped squad, with big-money summer recruits Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike combining for a smart opening goal. Making his debut, Jeremie Frimpong’s early cross after 20 minutes curled beyond the in-form Dean Henderson.

Now, the reigning Premier League holders face Bournemouth in their first league fixture, aiming to defend the crown they won so impressively in Slot’s debut season after succeeding Jurgen Klopp.

Despite an eye-catching summer spend, Liverpool’s current depth is limited. Defensive options are particularly thin, though that appears likely to change soon.

In attack, they are stronger. Yet Liverpool have not been able to seal a blockbuster move for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, who would be the final piece of an elite front line.

Since arriving at Newcastle from Real Sociedad for £63m in 2022, Isak has developed into a top-tier finisher with flair and technical quality.

His situation with Newcastle has broken down as he pushes to join Liverpool, who have already had an opening bid worth £110m rejected.

The drawn-out chase has left a sour taste for some, with Isak distancing himself from Eddie Howe’s squad. Still, Liverpool are quietly progressing.

Plans to integrate him before the new season have failed, so Liverpool must face Bournemouth without the 25-year-old and the depth he would bring.

Joe Gomez is back in training after a minor Achilles issue picked up in Japan but is unlikely to start.

The most notable absence is Ryan Gravenberch, unavailable last week for the birth of his first child and now suspended after a red card against Palace on the final day of 2024/25.

Alexis Mac Allister could return to the starting XI, having been on the bench at Wembley due to low fitness. But with Curtis Jones excelling in a deep role last week, completing all 53 passes, he may keep his place.

If so, Slot has an intriguing chance to shape a line-up preparing for a possible future with Isak leading the line.

The easy solution if Isak arrives would be to drop Gakpo and shift Ekitike to the left wing.

Under Slot, Liverpool are more structured and patient in possession, with Gravenberch driving central transitions. With Trent Alexander-Arnold now at Real Madrid, expect that balance to remain.

However, pairing Isak and Ekitike in a 4-2-2-2 could shift focus to wider play, with Mohamed Salah stretching right and Wirtz drifting left to accommodate two mobile strikers.

With Milos Kerkez and Frimpong adding width and overlaps, both could provide extra supply to the forwards in the final third.

Although both strikers are athletic, hardworking, and technically skilled, Isak is the more polished and clinical scorer.

The pairing could work well but would mean sacrificing another regular starter. Gravenberch is Slot’s midfield link, but Dominik Szoboszlai could be the one to miss out.

Earning £120k per week, Szoboszlai has been a key, industrious figure since his £60m move from RB Leipzig in 2023.

With Jones in form and Mac Allister likely fit to start, Szoboszlai may have to settle for the bench initially.

Against Palace, he made three tackles and won four of eight duels, showing why Slot has tried him deeper to fit Wirtz in.

It was an impressive display from the 24-year-old, one that suggests he will still have a big role this term.

But to facilitate a new structure with Isak in front, Slot may choose to rest Szoboszlai against Bournemouth, starting Gakpo wide left with license to cut inside and score, mirroring Isak’s role and freeing Wirtz to roam wide.

With Salah excelling as a creative force – no Premier League player made more big chances (27) last year – and Wirtz hailed as “a genius” by Xabi Alonso for his vision and passing, Liverpool could thrive even if Szoboszlai begins on the bench.

It’s unfortunate when world-class players must sit out to make space for another, but as far as football dilemmas go, there are worse ones to face.