The Premier League fixture list is set to be annnounced but Liverpool could be without several players at the start of the season
Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola could be without several players for his first Premier League match as Liverpool manager(Image: Maynard Manyowa/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Liverpool are set to learn their Premier League schedule but could play their opening game without several key players. The Reds’ fixture list is set to be announced at 10am on Friday.
The World Cup is currently taking centre stage and the tournament could have a knock-on effect if Liverpool stars progress to the latter stages. The start of the Premier League campaign has been pushed back to the weekend of Saturday, August 22, ensuring a month’s gap between the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19.
New boss Andoni Iraola will hope to start his reign with a victory after replacing Arne Slot in the dugout. However, the Spanish coach may be forced to rest players for the opening game if members of his squad reach the World Cup final, which would likely lead to an extended holiday and a shorter pre-season following their success at international level.
The Netherlands reaching the World Cup final would have the greatest potential impact on Iraola’s side, as their squad includes three Liverpool players. Virgil van Dijk is among the Liverpool contingent and the captain has already made his mark on the tournament by scoring against Japan in his country’s opening game.
Fellow Reds Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo started the draw with Japan and are key players in Ronald Koeman’s team, who are also competing with Sweden and Tunisia in Group F. All three Liverpool players will be heavily relied upon if the Netherlands do go all the way, which could result in the trio being gradually eased into the new Premier League season.
Virgil van Dijk playing for the Netherlands
Virgil van Dijk is captaining the Netherlands at the World Cup(Image: ANP via Getty Images)
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Florian Wirtz is part of the Germany squad striving for a fifth World Cup win. The Liverpool attacker provided the assist for his side’s opening goal in their 7-1 victory over Curacao as Julian Nagelsmann’s side look to advance from a group that also contains Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
Alexis Mac Allister will hope he can be part of another World Cup triumph with Argentina. The 27-year-old had yet to join Liverpool when he lifted the iconic trophy in 2022.
The midfielder has been linked with a move away from Anfield but is under contract with the Reds until 2028. Argentina will have hopes of retaining the World Cup after starting their campaign with a 3-0 win over Algeria, courtesy of a Lionel Messi hat-trick.
Alexis Mac Allister playing for Argentina
Alexis Mac Allister started Argentina's win over Algeria(Image: Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
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Alisson Becker will hope Brazil can bounce back from their draw with Morocco. The experienced goalkeeper returned to fitness in time to secure his place in Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
He is first-choice for his country and will play a crucial role at the tournament. As record five-time World Cup winners and with a coach of Ancelotti’s calibre, Brazil remain among the top contenders for the trophy.
Alexander Isakproduced a statement performance for Sweden, scoring and registering two assists against Tunisia. While Sweden reaching the final is unlikely, the striker’s disjointed start to his Liverpool career last year emphasises how match fitness can be impacted during the summer break.
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