Liverpool are set to return to Premier League action against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium today, and all eyes are on the team Andoni Iraola could select for this crucial clash. ⚽🔥
After making wholesale changes during the midweek Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham, several familiar faces are expected to return to the starting XI. Alisson Becker is tipped to reclaim his place in goal, while Virgil van Dijk is also expected to come back into the heart of the defence.
At the back, Ronald Araújo, Van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet and Miloš Kerkez could form the defensive line, giving Liverpool a combination of experience, physicality and pace. 🧱💪
In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are among the players expected to feature, while Florian Wirtz could return to the No.10 role after being rested in midweek. The German playmaker will be looking to make his influence felt after facing scrutiny over his early-season performances. 👀🇩🇪
And then comes the attack… 😮💨🔥
Alexander Isak is expected to lead the line once again, with Bradley Barcola and Cody Gakpo among the attacking options being considered around him. Multiple predicted XIs have Isak starting, although there are variations over whether Gakpo or another wide player gets the nod.
Liverpool’s injury list still includes Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa, meaning Iraola has some selection limitations despite having most of his senior squad available.
The matchup also carries an extra storyline because this is Iraola’s first return to Bournemouth since leaving the club for Liverpool. The Spanish coach spent three seasons at the Vitality Stadium before taking charge of the Reds. 🔴👀
Liverpool head into the game searching for their second Premier League victory of the campaign, while Bournemouth are still waiting for their first league win under Marco Rose.
🔥 PREDICTED LIVERPOOL XI:
🧤 Alisson
🛡️ Araújo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez
⚙️ Mac Allister, Szoboszlai
🎯 Barcola, Wirtz, Gakpo
⚡ Isak
One thing is certain: with Liverpool’s big names expected back, the Vitality Stadium could be in for a serious test of Iraola’s new-look Reds. 😤🔴🔥
For Liverpool’s Bournemouth clash
Assess the midfield balance
Explain the tactical matchup
