The Liverpool debate and the tough selection dilemmas facing Andoni Iraola as Liverpool prepare for a tricky Premier League trip away to face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday 3pm (BST).
The Reds head into the clash aiming to rebuild momentum after a painful 3-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester City, though they responded in midweek with a thrilling 6-3 Champions League victory over LASK.
There are major selection headaches across the pitch: Ryan Gravenberch is unavailable due to suspension following his red card against Manchester City, while key concerns linger over Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexander Isak, and Cody Gakpo. With options stretched, our Rush the Kop writers weigh in on who fills the void in midfield and attack to take on Keith Andrews side.
Here is how our writers think Liverpool should line up on Saturday:
Samuel Hackett
It’s a quick turnaround and I expect many of Liverpool’s regulars to return to the line-up, two of those being Milos Kerkez and Virgil Van Dijk, re-uniting Liverpool’s first choice defence.
While Kostas Tsimikas and Jeremy Frimpong both put in strong auditions vs Lask, Andoni Iraola will almost certainly return to his tried and tested formula for his sides trip to the G-Tech.
With Ryan Gravenberch’s suspension, and Iraola still doubtful over the fitness of Dominic Szoboszlai, the midfield likely picks itself.
It’s a huge opportunity for Florian Wirtz to build on an encouraging performance in midweek and he’ll be supported by Trey Nyoni and Alexis MacAllister in the engine room.
The front three is where it gets the most difficult, with all four of Liverpool’s available forwards deserving of a starting spot.
Let’s start with the obvious, Bradley Barcola is a definite after his electric display in midweek.
After that I think Iraola might think tactically to pick two of the remaining three.
As much as he was incredible in midweek, the physicality of Saturday’s opponents could see Rio Ngumoha drop out.
I’m going with Koumas leading the line and Munoz on the right, but really any two of them three could start.
My team: (4-2-3-1) Alisson, Kerkez, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Araujo, Nyoni, MacAllister, Wirtz, Barcola, Koumas, Munoz
Adam Coward
Brentford away has proved a difficult fixture for Liverpool in recent seasons, but Andoni Iraola’s side will travel to west London with renewed confidence after their scintillating six-goal Champions League performance in Austria.
The Reds will be hoping to carry that attacking momentum into the Premier League, although Brentford are likely to provide a sterner test.
Alisson should retain his place in goal despite conceding three times against LASK, with Ronald Araujo expected to return at right-back after an impressive performance in central defence during the midweek victory. Virgil van Dijk should reclaim his place alongside Jeremy Jacquet, who should keep his spot after another opportunity to impress in Europe.
Meanwhile, Milos Kerkez is likely to return at left-back after being rested in midweek.
Liverpool’s midfield presents a more intriguing selection dilemma. With Ryan Gravenberch suspended and Dominik Szoboszlai a potential doubt after hamstring problems ruled him out of the meetings with Manchester City and LASK, Alexis Mac Allister looks certain to start.
Alongside him, 19-year-old Trey Nyoni could be handed a valuable Premier League opportunity following a composed Champions League display that belied his age. The teenager’s inclusion would offer Iraola the chance to assess whether the teenager can provide the positional discipline and control needed to allow Liverpool’s more attack-minded midfielders to flourish.
Further forward, Bradley Barcola should retain his place after an outstanding European performance in which he scored his first career hattrick and opened his Liverpool account. Florian Wirtz is also expected to continue in the number 10 role, with Lewis Koumas potentially leading the line unless Alexander Isak returns from injury.
That leaves a toss-up for the right-wing spot, where I think Victor Munoz could get the nod over Rio Ngumoha after only coming on late in Austria.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Nyoni; Barcola, Wirtz, Munoz; Koumas
Hugo Mirabel-Hardy
Liverpool will arrive at the Gtech on Saturday with the wind in their sails after an emphatic win over LASK on Wednesday.
Brentford provide a whole different challenge for Andoni Iraola's side, and has been a historically tough place to visit for the Reds.
Iraola has been coy about the availability Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai, who could really change the expectations around the result and performance.
After some rotation against LASK, there should be key fresh legs too, that can help swing the tie in Liverpool's favour.
The Reds should return to 'full' strength in defence, with Alisson Becker in goal, and Virgil fan Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet as the center-backs.
Ronaldo Araujo and Milos Kerkez will feature down the flanks and will be key in keeping things tight or unlocking Brentford's defence, respectively.
I have been a fan of Trey Nyoni, ever since his debut a few years ago, and seeing him shine on Wednesday was incredibly vindicating.
He should start again, with Mac Allister alongside him, and Iraola will continue to show Florian Wirtz faith and start the German again.
Bradley Barcola will start, full of confidence after his mid-week hat-trick and Victor Muñoz is likely to play on the opposite side. Lewis Koumas should make the starting XI again as I doubt Isak will be risked from the start.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Nyoni; Munoz, Wirtz, Barcola; Koumas.
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