European football returns to Anfield on Tuesday night, but Liverpool’s preparations at the AXA Training Centre have been overshadowed by fresh selection headaches for Andoni Iraola.
A bruising domestic 2-1 win against Brentford came at a heavy cost, with both Jeremie Frimpong and Dominik Szoboszlai sidelined through injury. Their absences leave major voids down the right flank and in central midfield just as Villarreal arrive on Merseyside for a crucial UEFA Champions League tie.
However, Iraola has received a timely lift with Ryan Gravenberch available to step straight back into the side following his domestic suspension. With academy starlets Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha also training with the first team at Kirkby, here is how the Reds could line up under the floodlights, according to our Rush the Kop writers.
Hugo Mirabel-Hardy
Liverpool host Villarreal after a successful week in the Premier League and Champions League, with good performances building.
El Submarino Amarillo have been to Anfield a few times over the past 10 years in their European exploits, but have only beaten the Reds at their own ground.
Andoni Iraola should have a largely full squad available to him, apart from the usual names unavailable, as well as Jeremie Frimpong out with a new injury, and Dominik Szboboszlai who is unlikely to be risked.
The team that played the majority of the game against Brentford is likely to feature again, but with a few changes sprinkled in.
The Reds will set up the defence with Alisson Becker in goal, and Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet as the center-backs.
Ronaldo Araujo and Kostas Tsimikas will feature down the flanks after they didn’t play the full 90 or feature against Brentford, respectively.
Trey Nyoni and Ryan Gravenberch will be the base of midfield, with Florian Wirtz spearheading the midfield three.
Bradley Barcola and Rio Ngumoha should start, as both are in fine form, and Alexander Isak will lead the line for the Reds, hopefully continuing his goal-scoring form.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Nyoni; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Barcola; Isak.
Samuel Hackett
While a win would put the Reds in a very healthy position in the league phase, with games against three of the Premier League’s best teams to follow, rotation is is very possible.
In defence I expect Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas both to start as the fullbacks. The latter put in a brilliant display against Lask while the former has been knocking on the door for a start with a couple of recent cameos.
With Van Dijk dropped to the bench last midweek I expect him to start tomorrow. Partnering him, it’s a tough choice between Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo but I’m just going to edge the Uruguayan as I think Jacquet will be protected ahead of a busy schedule.
The midfield pretty much picks itself with Gravenberch, MacAllister and Wirtz all likely to start. Nyoni could come in, but the only player you’d argue needs a rest is Wirtz but that significantly disrupts the balance and structure of the trio.
There’s a bit more of a selection headache for Iraola in the forward line, with a number of players stepping up their game in recent weeks.
The player who will definitely start is Rio Ngumoha. The youngster had a terrific impact off the bench against Brentford and I expect that to be rewarded with a start.
While Liverpool’s manager could easily rest either or both Isak and Barcola, I do think both will start, joining Rio in the front three.
Out of Liverpool’s other attackers, Cody Gakpo is the least likely to start in my opinion. No substitute appearance against Brentford indicates he’s still not quite recovered from his injury.
My Team (4-2-3-1): Alisson, Gomez, Van Dijk, Araujo, Tsimikas, MacAllister, Gravenberch, Wirtz, Barcola, Isak, Ngumoha
Damon Forsythe
The games are coming thick and fast for Andoni Iraola’s side. An emphatic 2-1 away victory over Brentford at the weekend needs to be followed up with another good result.
In net, I am sticking with Alisson. I can see Mamardashvili coming in for the cup game next week against Chelsea.
In defence, I would make a couple of changes. Tsimikas starts back-to-back games in Europe, deserved after his great performance last week. Joe Gomez also comes into the backline. He has been back for a while now and is ready for a start. I would rest Araujo for this one.
In front of the defence, I am going with Gravenberch, coming back into the eleven after missing out on the action on Saturday. Partnering him, I would start Trey Nyoni. He deserves regular minutes, and this is a good opportunity to start the youngster.
In the attacking midfield position, I would give Florian Wirtz the nod. Assisting in two games on the bounce, the German will be looking to continue his good form.
On the right-hand side, Rio Ngumoha comes back into the eleven. He has been fantastic on that side since coming back from the international break. Cody Gakpo takes the left-hand spot, giving Bradley Barcola a well-deserved rest.
Up top, it has to be Lewis Koumas. The Welshman will be hoping to stay onside this week and add some more goals to his Champions League tally.
My Team (4-2-3-1): Allison, Tsimikas, Van Djik, Jacquet, Gomez, Gravenberch, Nyoni, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ngumoha, Koumas
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