I’ll be honest, after watching Liverpool lose 3-0 to Manchester City, I’m much more interested in seeing how Andoni Iraola responds than worrying about which players start against LASK.
Liverpool have two important away games coming up, and the manager has to get the balance right.
First, there’s LASK in the Champions League on Wednesday. Then comes Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
So which game matters more, and should Iraola rest players in Austria?
For me, Brentford is the more important game in terms of Liverpool’s domestic season. But that doesn’t mean we should throw away an opportunity to get our Champions League campaign back on track.
And after Sunday’s performance, there are some players who need to show a reaction.
Brentford away is the bigger priority for me
Liverpool cannot afford to let that defeat to Manchester City turn into a difficult run of league results.
The 3-0 loss at Anfield was painful. The performance left plenty of questions, particularly about Liverpool’s attacking threat and their ability to compete with the best sides.
The response needs to come quickly.
Brentford away is a difficult fixture in its own right, and Liverpool will need energy, intensity and players who are ready for a physical battle.
There’s another complication, too. Ryan Gravenberch is suspended for the Premier League game, while Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai have been dealing with injury problems. Iraola has already indicated that the injured players are unlikely to return for LASK.
That makes squad management even more important.
If Liverpool arrive at Brentford with more injuries or players struggling for fitness, it could make an already challenging game even harder.
I want Liverpool to win both matches, but the Premier League points are particularly important right now.
Should Iraola rest players against LASK?
Yes, I think he should rotate — but sensibly.
I’m not suggesting he should send out an entirely inexperienced team and hope for the best.
Liverpool still need to take the Champions League seriously. Winning away from home would help their campaign, and a positive result could provide a much-needed confidence boost after the City defeat.
But Iraola has to look at the bigger picture.
Some players have already carried heavy workloads, while others are coming back from injuries or dealing with knocks.
Virgil van Dijk, for example, revealed that he suffered a painful calf knock against City. He wants to play against LASK if he is fit, but the final decision belongs to Iraola.
I love that attitude from the captain, but wanting to play and being physically ready are two different things.
If Van Dijk needs a rest, give him one. Liverpool cannot risk turning a minor problem into a longer absence simply because they want him available for every match.
The same principle applies to anybody carrying a knock or looking exhausted.
This is where Liverpool’s squad needs to step up
Iraola has talked about developing an attacking Liverpool team, but he also needs to prove he can manage a busy schedule.
That means trusting the squad rather than relying on the same starting eleven every few days.
LASK could be an opportunity to give some players minutes, bring in fresh legs and see who is ready to take responsibility.
Liverpool have young players who would benefit from the experience, while established squad members need opportunities to show they can contribute when called upon.
I would like to see rotation in selected positions, particularly where Liverpool have suitable alternatives.
But I wouldn’t change the entire spine of the team. A settled defensive structure and enough experience on the pitch should give Liverpool a chance to control the game.
The key is to rotate with a plan, not simply make changes for the sake of it.
The danger of getting the balance wrong
There are two mistakes Iraola needs to avoid.
The first is playing his strongest available team against LASK, ignoring the physical demands of the schedule and arriving at Brentford with tired players.
The second is making too many changes, losing control of the Champions League match and allowing the disappointment from City to continue.
Neither outcome would be ideal.
Liverpool need a response, and winning in Austria could help provide it. But the manager must also recognise that Saturday’s game is waiting just around the corner.
With Gravenberch unavailable for Brentford and several attacking players carrying injury concerns, Liverpool have little room for further problems.
This is exactly why having a squad matters.
My verdict: rotate against LASK, then go strong at Brentford
If it were my decision, I’d make several changes against LASK while keeping enough experience in the side to compete properly.
I’d protect players who are carrying knocks, avoid taking unnecessary risks with Van Dijk and give deserving squad players a chance to impress.
Then I’d pick the strongest team available for Brentford.
Liverpool need to show that Sunday’s defeat was a setback rather than the beginning of a worrying spell. A good result in Austria would help, but the league game offers an immediate opportunity to respond domestically.
I’m not writing off the Champions League. Far from it.
I simply think Iraola needs to be smart about how he uses his players over these two away trips.
LASK matters. Brentford matters. But Liverpool’s manager has to think beyond the next 90 minutes.
Get the rotation right, come through Wednesday without any more injuries and arrive at Brentford ready to compete.
That’s what I want to see from Iraola now.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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