One of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind heading into today’s match with Ipswich is, will **Bradley Barcola** start? **Andoni Iraola** hinted in his press conference that the new signing would play a role in the match, but did not commit to putting Barcola in the Starting XI. Therefore, I think the boss does not make any changes to the lineup that played in a [2-2 draw vs. Nottingham Forest](https://lfcglobe.co.uk/liverpool-vs-nottingham-forest-player-ratings-august-2026/)
Fans may wonder why not start Barcola? The simple answer is **Alexander Isak**. The Swedish striker is in good form right now. He scored in the last match, and the last time Isak visited Portman Road as a member of **Newcastle**, he netted a hat-trick. He needs to be on the pitch. Iraola could move **Dominik Szoboszlai** to right back in place of **Jeremie Frimpong**, but I don't see that as a long-term solution. However, Iraola admitted that Szoboszlai could play multiple positions during the match.
The player most in danger of losing his starting spot is **Alexis Mac Allister**. According to the Player Ratings, he only scored a 5 of 10 vs. **Forest**. **Ryan Gravenberch** got the start vs. Newcastle to start the season, so he could certainly come back in the Starting XI in place of Mac Allister. **Rio Ngumoha** could also start over **Victor Muñoz**, but Muñoz scored a beautiful goal last time out, and I prefer Ngumoha’s energy coming off the bench.
I usually advocate changing up the Starting lineup a bit after the Reds drop points, but not this time. All the pieces are there; they just need time on the pitch together to work out the early-season kinks. I think Szoboszlai is a potential solution on the back line, but the Reds need his talents elsewhere.
4-3-3 4-2-3-1 4-4-2 4-1-4-1 4-3-2-1 3-5-2 3-4-3 5-3-2 5-4-1
Do you think Barcola should start or come off of the bench? Drop a comment below.
Liverpool 3 Ipswich 2
Alexander Isak
**Kick-off**
8:00 PM GMT
3:00 PM ET
3:00 PM ET
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