It's that time of year, once again.
2026/27 Pre-season is well underway, transfers are being completed left, right and centre, and EA's annual installment of FC is almost ready to go.
Coming to consoles and PC worldwide on the 25th of September, with early access starting a week earlier on the 18th, we thought at Rush the Kop we'd have a go in predicting Liverpool's starting 11 and their ratings.
Let's dive in:
11 - Jérémy Jacquet , 77 rated (DEF)
The Frenchman is the lowest rated of the starting 11, largely because he's one of the youngest, but also because he was rated 75 in FC 26, and barring an incredible season, EA rarely hand out large upgrades.
Liverpool's new number 5 recorded 15 successful tackles, 16 interceptions, and 120 clearances over 19 Ligue 1 appearances for Stade Rennais last season. So, an upgrade of two points seems fair.
10 - Jeremie Frimpong, 82 rated (DEF)
The Dutch fullback endured a frustratingly disrupted campaign with Liverpool. Plagued by recurring hamstring injuries, he was sidelined for 117 days in total, missing 25 matches across all competitions for both club and country.
As a result, he missed out on participating in the 2026 World Cup. Though his pre-season was looking promising, an injury against Leeds is another set-back.
We predict a minor downgrade from his 83 rating in FC 26.
10 - Milos Kerkez, 82 rated (DEF)
Kerkez was rated 82 in FC 26, and we predict that will stay the same in FC 27. With two goals and an assist last season, it was a mixed year for the Hungarian.
Former head coach Arne Slot didn't seem to use the fullback to his strengths, often leaving him at centre-back in a three at the back during build-up, or sometimes at the 6 position.
It's clear since Andoni Iraola has come in that those plans are out the window, and he will become the marauding full-back that was signed last summer.
10 - Cody Gakpo, 82 rated (Left Winger)
So many predicted 82s - it wasn't a pretty season, was it?
The Dutch forward's rating in FC 26 was 84, and after a very disappointing campaign we predict there will be a bit of a downgrade.
Gakpo performed well for his nation during the recent World Cup, with four G/A in four games, but only 12 G/A for the Reds in 36 games was disappointing.
His performances were frustrating for many during the season as well, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see that reflected in his rating.
7 - Ryan Gravenberch, 85 rated (Central Defensive Midfielder)
It was a weird season for the midfielder. Stats wise, he improved on 24/25 exponentially - he had four assists that season and no goals, but last year scored five goals and registered three assists.
Following the 2024/25 title winning season, he was upgraded to 85. After last season, EA may merit his performances with an upgrade, but watching the Dutchman last season it doesn't really feel like he deserves one.
7 - Hugo Ekitike, 85 rated (Foward)
Hugo Ekitike has been a personal favourite to 'evolve' (upgrade) during the course of an FC year. Last year's starting rating of 83 seemed fair enough, but following his impressive season for the Reds prior to his achilles injury means an upgrade is likely.
And bumping it up to an 85 feels fair. A diamond in the rough of a disappointing season with 15 G/A feels like a season EA will reward with an improved card.
5 - Dominik Szoboszlai, 86 rated (Central Attacking Midfielder)
If Ekitike is getting an upgrade, then Szoboszlai more than merits one. The Hungarian carried the club the best he could last season, and really stepped up during times he was most needed with some wonder goals.
As with most of the squad last season, he definitely could have performed better and more consistently, but EA love to reward aura and hype moments, of which he had plenty.
His FC 26 rating will be bumped up nicely, and 86 feels about right.
4 - Alisson Becker, 87 rated (Goalkeeper)
Also plagued by injuries last year, missing 122 days of football (26 games for club and country) is never ideal for a goalkeeper.
The Brazilian's body has let him down in recent seasons and he's missed 73 games between the 2023-26 seasons. Nevertheless, he is as good as ever and can still turn a game on its head with a save that he shouldn't be making.
His 89 rating in FC 26 feels like it will be downgraded, and 87 seems like a fair change.
4 - Alexander Isak, 87 rated (Forward)
A downgrade may feel unfair, considering he was out for 106 days and missing 24 games for the Reds and Sweden with a broken fibula.
But consdering his last card which was 88 rated was based off of a season with 23 goals and six assists, it would not be surprising to see a small change.
The Swede's quality is clear, as we saw glimpses of against Leeds, and Iraola will be able to platform him to get back to his best.
2 - Florian Wirtz, 88 rated (Central Attacking Midfielder)
Another new signing who disappointed after a big move. And another who we all know is a quality player that can return to form under Iraola.
The German also had a decent World Cup, but after expectations last season weren't met, it wouldn't be a surprise to see EA hand Liverpool's number 7 a downgrade.
Anything more than a one point change would be harsh, especially after eight G/A in a season tormented by squad changes, disharmony and injuries across the board.
1 - Virgil van Dijk, 90 rated
Liverpool's captain fantastic rounds off our predictions as Liverpool's highest rated player for FC 27.
We predict he will maintain his 90 rating, off the back of a season where he played over 6000 minutes for club and country.
For the Reds, in 38 Premier League appearances the skipper had 10 clean sheets, 366 clearances, 21 defensive blocks, and 16 interceptions while maintaining a 92% pass completion rate. Unbelievable stuff.
And he scored six goals. Lightwork.
Those are our predictions - what do you think? Are we way off? Too lienient? Too harsh?
It feels odd to not have Mohamed Salah feature in this list, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up, as well as what rating EA bestow upon him.
Liverpool will feature next against AS Monaco on the 9th of August at Anfield.
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