Andoni Iraola could make a number of changes to his side when Liverpool host Fulham on Saturday
Cody Gakpo poses during the official UEFA Champions League 2026/27 portrait session
Cody Gakpo poses during the official UEFA Champions League 2026/27 portrait session(Image: 2026 UEFA)
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Liverpool will be looking to make it three wins in a row when they return to Premier League action on Saturday with Fulham the visitors to Anfield. The Reds followed up their first victory of the season, winning 2-0 at Ipswich Town, by defeating Atletico Madrid 2-1 on Wednesday night.
Andoni Iraola made two changes to his side to face the La Liga outfit with Bradley Barcola coming in to make his first start since his £123m move from Paris Saint-Germain while Rio Ngumoha was also recalled to the starting XI.
Victor Munoz dropped to the bench while Liverpool were also left without Cody Gakpo because of injury. Speaking after beating Atletico, Iraola confirmed that the Dutchman remained an injury doubt to face the Cottagers.
But the Spaniard played down any injury fears about both Barcola and Milos Kerkez after the pair were withdrawn prematurely in the Champions League opener after suffering from cramp.
The Reds could welcome Joe Gomez back against Fulham, following his return to training earlier this week, while Wataru Endo is again eligible after being left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad.
With Iraola’s options set to be bolstered as a result, the ECHO takes a look at the changes he could make on Saturday…
Mulling over Milos
Kerkez came in for more criticism for his involvement in Atletico’s goal on Wednesday as Marcos Llorente peeled off the Hungarian with ease. Regardless of form, he did limp off late on with cramp.
If Iraola wished to make a change, Kostas Tsimikas would be the alternative at left-back.
The rest of the defence will likely remain unchanged with Ronald Araujo continuing to impress at right-back. Jeremie Frimpong is waiting in the wings if the Liverpool head coach does wish to make a change though, while Gomez could also be available following his return to training.
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Macca can
Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai were both on the scoresheet on Wednesday as they continue to impress as the Reds’ double pivot, with Ryan Gravenberch limited to substitute duty as a result.
While the Dutchman could earn a recall, he is perhaps more likely to be restored to the starting XI in the League Cup against Tottenham Hotspur, next Tuesday.
Florian Wirtz looks set to retain his place at No.10, too, with youngsters Trey Nyoni and James McConnell waiting in reserve alongside the eligible again Endo.
Sweating over Gakpo
Iraola admitted that he could not guarantee that Gakpo would be back fit to face Fulham after suffering from abductor issues, leaving Liverpool to sweat over his fitness.
With Barcola not yet fit to complete 90 minutes, as demonstrated by his early withdrawal against Atletico after suffering from cramp, the Reds will have to carefully manage their forward options.
Ngumoha and Munoz will be vying to start if Gakpo again misses out, though both could get the nod if Barcola is not deemed fit enough to start twice in four days.
Meanwhile, Alexander Isak will lead the line with Lewis Koumas and Jayden Danns the only alternatives in the absence of the injured Federico Chiesa and Hugo Ekitike.