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5 games in 17 days: Andoni Iraola handed early test of Liverpool’s squad depth

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola applauds the supporters after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. The game ended 2-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool will compete across three different competitions in September as Andoni Iraola seeks to find form before an extended international break.

The Reds have five games in a little over two weeks this month, the first real test of the squad’s depth.

Iraola will have welcomed the end of the transfer window, so he knows exactly who he can and cannot call on until January at the earliest, though he may wish more business had been done.

Nevertheless, Liverpool cannot carry excuses, and after two successive draws to start the campaign, a ‘favourable’ fixture list in September needs to be capitalised on.

September 4 – Ipswich (A)

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O'Neil before the Premier League match at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton. Picture date: Saturday December 14, 2024.

Kickoff: 8pm (UK)

Portman Road

The first game of the month takes Liverpool to Portman Road to face former academy coach Gary O’Neil, who took the job at Ipswich after Kieran McKenna stepped down.

The Friday night match is kind on paper but will be a test for the Reds, with Ipswich proving a spirited side in their opening day win against Sunderland and their 5-2 defeat to Man United.

September 9 – Atletico (H)

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 17, 2025: Atletico Madrid's head coach Diego Simeone speaks with the fourth official during the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Atletico Madrid FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Kickoff: 8pm (UK)

Anfield

For the second successive campaign, Atletico Madrid make the trip to Anfield for the first game of the new Champions League season.

Diego Simeone remains at the helm and has overseen the signings of Cristian Romero, Alejandro Grimaldo and Morten Hjulmand this summer, while Julian Alvarez was denied a move to Barcelona.

Expect Bradley Barcola to make his home debut and possibly even his first start!

September 12 – Fulham (H)

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa after the UEFA Champions League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Picture date: Tuesday March 17, 2026.

Kickoff: 3pm (UK)

Anfield

A home match in the Premier League is next on the agenda, with former player Alvaro Arbeloa returning as Fulham‘s coach.

They lost Harry Wilson in the summer but signed the likes of Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios from Real Madrid, plus Southampton‘s Shea Charles.

It is the first 3pm kickoff of the new season and the second of three successive home matches for the Reds.

September 15 – Tottenham (H)

Kickoff: 8pm (UK)

Anfield

The League Cup third round could see the return of Andy Robertson at Anfield, with Tottenham drawn as Liverpool’s opponents.

He will receive a warm welcome if he is in the squad, but the Scot in another Premier League side’s kit is still a sight that is hard to get used to.

If Liverpool win, they will book a fourth-round match for the end of October.

September 20 – Bournemouth (A)

Kickoff: 2pm (UK)

Vitality Stadium

The final match before the extended international break sees Liverpool make the long trip to the south coast as Iraola returns to the Vitality Stadium.

Marco Rose is now in charge of the Cherries, and they have had a mixed start with a defeat at Man City and a draw against Everton from their first two games.

They play in the Europa League on Thursday, which could benefit Liverpool, who will have a couple of days extra rest leading up to the match.

September 21-October 6 – International break

3ER40Y1 Bradley BARCOLA of France celebrates his goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026, Group I match between France and Senegal at MetLife Stadium on June 16, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States. (Photo by Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport)

A new change to the international calendar means a longer gap between Liverpool games after it was decided the September and October breaks would merge.

It means national teams will play up to four games, to see the Premier League paused for three weeks.

It will feel a lot longer than it usually does, but at least it means hitting pause on the season less.

Iraola will see the majority of his squad jet off to represent their nations, and he will have everything crossed that they return fit and healthy.

Liverpool fixtures in September

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Víctor Muñoz celebrates on his debut with team-mates Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz and Kostas Tsimikas after scoring his side's second and equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

First Team

• Ipswich (A) – PL – Fri, Sept 4, 8pm

• Atletico (H) – CL – Wed, Sept 9, 8pm

• Fulham (H) – PL – Sat, Sept 12, 3pm

• Tottenham (H) – League Cup – Tues, Sept 15, 8pm

• Bournemouth (A) – PL – Sun, Sept 20, 2pm

LFC Women

• Charlton (A) – WSL – Sun, Sept 6, 2pm

• Tottenham (H) – WSL – Sun, Sept 13, 2pm

• Man City (A) – WSL – Fri, Sept 18, 7pm

• Sunderland (H) – Cup – Wed, Sept 23, 7pm

• Everton (H) – WSL – Sun, Sept 27, 2pm

• Birmingham (A) – Cup – Wed, Sept 30, 7pm

LFC U21s

• West Ham (A) – PL2 – Mon, Sept 14, 7pm

• Brighton (H) – PL2 – Sat, Sept 19, 12pm

• Rochdale (A) – EFL Trophy – Tues, Sept 22, 7pm

LFC U18s

• Atletico Madrid (H) – Youth League – TBC

• Burnley (H) – U18s PL – Sat, Sept 12, 11am

• Derby (A) – U18s PL – Sat, Sept 19, 12pm

ROUNDUP COLLAGE (4)

ROUNDUP COLLAGE (3)

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