Well, this is a big one.
Liverpool welcome Manchester City to Anfield this afternoon, and Andoni Iraola has named his starting XI for a game that could tell us plenty about where this team is heading.
There are some interesting decisions in there, particularly in attack.
Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola and Víctor Muñoz all start, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai also included.
Here is the full Liverpool team.
Liverpool’s confirmed starting XI
Alisson; Ronald Araújo, Jérémy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister; Víctor Muñoz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Bradley Barcola; Florian Wirtz.
Substitutes: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Wataru Endo, James McConnell, Kostas Tsimikas, Trey Nyoni, Joe Gomez, Lewis Koumas, Rio Ngumoha and Jeremie Frimpong.
Wirtz has another opportunity to make his mark
I’m particularly interested in Wirtz today.
There has been plenty of criticism of the German since his arrival at Liverpool, but I still believe there is a fantastic player in there.
He has just shown what he can do for Germany, and now he has another opportunity to produce that sort of influence in a Liverpool shirt.
With Barcola and Muñoz providing options around him, hopefully we’ll see Wirtz receiving the ball in dangerous areas and making things happen.
This is the sort of game where a big performance could change the conversation around him.
Barcola and Muñoz give Liverpool an attacking threat
Barcola’s pace could be particularly important against City.
Liverpool need to be brave enough to attack, but they also need to recognise the space that can open up when City commit players forward.
Barcola has the ability to carry the ball at defenders and stretch the opposition, while Muñoz gets another chance to show what he can offer.
I like the idea of giving these players the responsibility rather than simply asking Liverpool to sit back and hope for the best.
If Iraola wants his team to play with attacking intent, this is an opportunity to demonstrate it against one of the strongest sides in the country.
Mac Allister’s inclusion is important too
I’m also pleased to see Mac Allister starting alongside Gravenberch.
Liverpool need control in midfield today. They cannot afford to let City dictate the tempo for long periods, particularly if they want to create enough chances to win the game.
Mac Allister’s passing and ability to find space could be crucial, while Szoboszlai offers energy and a threat going forward.
It will be fascinating to see how the midfield balances its defensive responsibilities with Liverpool’s need to attack.
Liverpool must take their chances
Let’s not pretend this will be easy.
City arrive in excellent form, and Liverpool will need to be disciplined without losing their attacking ambition.
The Reds have enough quality to hurt them, but that quality has to translate into clear chances and, ultimately, goals.
I want to see Liverpool play with confidence, press with purpose and make life uncomfortable for City.
Most importantly, they need to stay switched on defensively. Against this opposition, one lapse can be punished.
My biggest hope is that Liverpool play on the front foot and give themselves a proper chance of winning this game.
Iraola has made some interesting calls, and now it’s up to the players to deliver.
Anfield will be ready.
Let’s hope Liverpool give us something to shout about.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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