Liverpool have named their starting XI to face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium — and Andoni Iraola has gone with a very strong side as the Reds look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.
After three draws in their opening four league matches, Liverpool desperately need three points today.
And looking at this lineup, there can be no complaints about the quality available to Iraola.
Liverpool XI:
Alisson; Araújo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Gakpo, Wirtz, Barcola; Isak.
Substitutes: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Tsimikas, Muñoz, Frimpong, Gravenberch, Nyoni, Koumas, Ngumoha.
The lineup represents seven changes from the team that started Tuesday night’s 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham.
The big guns are back
This is exactly what we expected to see.
Alisson returns in goal, while Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet are reunited at centre-back.
Ronald Araújo moves back to right-back, where he has already impressed this season, while Milos Kerkez starts on the opposite side.
Liverpool have therefore restored what looks like their strongest available defensive unit.
And after keeping several key players fresh against Spurs, there should be no excuses when it comes to energy levels today.
Mac Allister and Szoboszlai together again
One of the most interesting selections is in midfield.
Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai start together.
That’s the midfield partnership I personally want to see more often.
Mac Allister looked excellent when he came off the bench against Fulham, while Szoboszlai has already shown his importance to Iraola’s team.
Behind the front three, Florian Wirtz returns as the No.10.
That gives Liverpool a midfield with technical quality, energy and creativity.
Now we need to see it translate into chances and goals.
Gakpo keeps his place
Cody Gakpo is another player who has deserved his place.
After scoring and assisting against Tottenham, the Dutchman starts again today.
And his current form is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Gakpo has looked confident and dangerous under Iraola, and he now has another opportunity to make an impact in the Premier League.
On the opposite flank is Bradley Barcola.
The Frenchman gets another start as he continues to build up his minutes and adapt to English football.
And then there is the man Liverpool need to get firing again.
Isak leads the line
Alexander Isak starts up front.
The Swedish striker is still waiting for his next Liverpool goal after a difficult start to life at the club, but there is no question that the quality is there.
Today feels like an important opportunity for him.
Liverpool have plenty of attacking talent around him, with Gakpo, Wirtz and Barcola all capable of creating openings.
If the service is better, Isak should have opportunities.
Now he needs to take them.
Plenty of options on the bench
The bench is also interesting.
Ryan Gravenberch drops out of the starting XI, but he remains available if Iraola needs to change the midfield.
Jeremie Frimpong provides another attacking option from the right.
Victor Muñoz can inject energy into the forward line.
Lewis Koumas was outstanding against Tottenham and is another player who can make an impact from the bench.
And Rio Ngumoha gives Iraola another explosive attacking option.
Joe Gomez is also back among the substitutes after his recent injury absence.
So there are plenty of options if Liverpool need to change the game.
Now Liverpool need to deliver
The team selection is strong.
The players have had more recovery time than Bournemouth.
Several key players were rested against Tottenham.
And Liverpool have the quality to win this game.
But none of that matters if the performance isn’t right.
After three draws in four Premier League games, Liverpool need to start turning their advantages into points.
This is an important afternoon for Iraola and his players.
The manager has gone strong.
Now it’s over to the players.
Three points are needed.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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