Liverpool return to Premier League duty on Saturday afternoon as they welcome Fulham to Anfield for a 3:00 pm kickoff, riding high after Wednesday’s hard-fought Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid.
Andoni Iraola is beginning to build genuine momentum in the Anfield hotseat, though early in his tenure, the manager remains in the process of nailing down his preferred XI. However, after back-to-back victories, Iraola appears to have found a settled core, meaning wholesale changes are unlikely this weekend.
The primary talking points ahead of Saturday reside on the flanks. Against Atlético, Iraola reshuffled his wide areas from the victory over Ipswich Town, handing starts to Bradley Barcola and Rio Ngumoha in place of Cody Gakpo and Victor Muñoz.
Barcola was forced off late against the Spanish outfit clutching his calf, raising immediate injury concerns. However, it has since emerged that the Frenchman was merely suffering from cramp, clearing him to feature against Fulham—whether from the opening whistle or off the bench as he chases a full Premier League debut.
On the opposite flank, question marks remain over Cody Gakpo’s availability. The Dutch attacker missed midweek action with an adductor injury following an impressive display against Ipswich, and his potential absence would leave Iraola light on options. Left-back Milos Kerkez was another player withdrawn against Atlético due to cramp, though he is also expected to be fit to start.
Further back, stability is expected. Goalscorers Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are in strong contention to maintain their midfield partnership after dominant midweek displays. Alisson will keep his place between the sticks behind a back four featuring Ronald Araújo, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, and Kerkez, while Alexander Isak continues to lead the line.
With a potentially tricky Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur looming on Tuesday, Iraola is expected to field his strongest available side against Fulham before rotating heavily for the midweek cup clash.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Alisson
- Defenders: Ronald Araújo, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez
- Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai
- Attacking Midfielders / Wingers: Rio Ngumoha, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola
- Forward: Alexander Isak
