Liverpool have confirmed their starting eleven to face Fulham at Anfield, and Andoni Iraola has made a few interesting changes following Wednesday night’s Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid.
The Reds line up with:
Alisson
Ronald Araújo – Jérémy Jacquet – Virgil van Dijk – Kostas Tsimikas
Ryan Gravenberch – Dominik Szoboszlai
Florian Wirtz
Bradley Barcola – Alexander Isak – Victor Muñoz
Gravenberch gets the nod
One of the biggest talking points is the decision to bring Ryan Gravenberch into midfield alongside Szoboszlai.
Alexis Mac Allister drops to the bench, meaning Iraola has opted for Gravenberch’s physicality and ability to carry the ball from midfield.
It could be an important afternoon for the Dutchman, particularly with Liverpool expected to have plenty of possession against a Fulham side that will look to make things difficult.
Tsimikas starts at left-back
There is also a change at left-back, with Kostas Tsimikas replacing Milos Kerkez.
Kerkez is among the substitutes, so this looks more like rotation than a major concern.
With Liverpool coming off a demanding Champions League game, Iraola clearly wants to manage the workload within his squad.
Barcola starts despite fitness concern
Perhaps the biggest positive is seeing Bradley Barcola named in the starting eleven.
There had been some concern after the Frenchman suffered cramp during his full debut against Atlético, but there was no injury and Iraola has decided he is fit enough to start again.
That’s a big boost.
Barcola showed flashes of his quality against Atlético and now gets another opportunity to build his match fitness and understanding with his new teammates.
Isak leads the attack
Alexander Isak starts through the middle once again.
The Swedish striker has made an excellent start to life at Liverpool, scoring twice against Ipswich before playing a key role in the victory over Atlético.
With Florian Wirtz operating behind him, Liverpool have plenty of creativity available in the final third.
And with Barcola and Muñoz providing width, this is still an extremely exciting attacking lineup.
Gakpo starts on the bench
Cody Gakpo is named among the substitutes after his recent adductor issue.
That gives Iraola an excellent option to change the game if required.
Mac Allister, Kerkez, Frimpong, Ngumoha and Gakpo are also available from the bench, meaning Liverpool have plenty of quality to call upon later in the match.
The full bench is:
Mamardashvili, Endo, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Gakpo, Frimpong, Nyoni, Koumas, Ngumoha.
After the huge win over Atlético, Liverpool now have the chance to make it three victories in a row.
The starting eleven has a slightly different look to the one that started in midweek, but there is still more than enough quality to get the job done.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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