Liverpool have confirmed their starting eleven to face Brighton at Anfield, with Andoni Iraola making his selections for a Premier League fixture that feels increasingly important.
After the attacking promise shown in the Champions League victory over Villarreal, Liverpool need to transfer that form into the league. They are still waiting for their first Premier League home win under Iraola, and Brighton arrive with plenty of attacking threat of their own.
There are some interesting decisions in this team, particularly in attack, where Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola will lead the line.
Liverpool starting XI: Alisson, Araújo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Gakpo, Isak, Barcola.
Substitutes: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Endo, Chiesa, Tsimikas, Nyoni, McConnell, Koumas, Ngumoha.
Isak, Gakpo and Barcola must deliver
The biggest talking point is the attacking trio.
Isak starts through the middle, with Gakpo and Barcola offering options out wide. On paper, there is plenty of pace, movement and technical ability in this front three.
But Liverpool need more than promising names on a teamsheet. They need goals.
The Reds have scored freely in Europe but have struggled to reproduce that output in the Premier League. Against Brighton, the movement between these three attackers will be crucial if Liverpool are to find ways through the opposition defence.
Isak needs service in dangerous areas, while Barcola has the ability to trouble defenders with his direct running. Gakpo, meanwhile, will be expected to provide an attacking threat after playing the full 90 minutes against Villarreal.
It is a demanding assignment, particularly with another big game coming up, but Liverpool need their forwards to make the difference.
Mac Allister and Gravenberch reunited
Iraola has also selected Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in midfield, with Florian Wirtz operating ahead of them.
This combination offers Liverpool a balance of energy, ball progression and creativity. Mac Allister’s ability to dictate play could be especially important against a Brighton side that will not necessarily allow Liverpool to dominate possession without a fight.
Wirtz is another player who needs to influence the game. His creativity is obvious, but Liverpool need him receiving the ball in dangerous areas and making things happen around the edge of the box.
If the midfield can control the tempo and get the ball forward quickly, the front three should have opportunities to hurt Brighton.
Jacquet starts alongside Van Dijk
At the back, Jérémy Jacquet partners Virgil van Dijk in central defence, with Ronald Araújo at right-back and Milos Kerkez on the left.
It is an interesting defensive combination, with Araújo’s versatility offering Liverpool another option at right-back.
The priority will be keeping things solid. Liverpool have shown signs of improvement defensively in the league, but Brighton have already demonstrated how dangerous they can be in front of goal.
Van Dijk’s leadership will be important, while Jacquet gets another opportunity to show what he can contribute alongside the Liverpool captain.
Alisson starts in goal, providing his experience and quality behind them.
Ngumoha waits for his chance
Rio Ngumoha is among the substitutes after his outstanding contribution against Villarreal, when he provided two assists in Liverpool’s 4-3 comeback victory.
The teenager has given Iraola plenty to think about, and his ability to take defenders on could be valuable if Liverpool need a spark later in the game.
With Federico Chiesa, Trey Nyoni and James McConnell also available, Iraola has options to change the game from the bench.
But first, the starting eleven must get the job done.
Liverpool supporters want to see the attacking football that Iraola was brought in to deliver, and this team certainly has the quality to produce it.
Brighton will provide a serious test, but Anfield needs a performance to match the occasion.
The team is selected. Now Liverpool need three points.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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