Andoni Iraola will make several changes to the Liverpool team that beat Tottenham in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
Newcastle United v Liverpool - Premier League 2026/27
Cody Gakpo should return to the Liverpool starting XI at Bournemouth (Image: Getty)
Andoni Iraola returns to his former club Bournemouth in Liverpool's final game before the extended international break. The Spanish coach has a perfect record in the cups at Anfield but in the Premier League, the Reds have only won once and drawn three times. Liverpool come into their trip to the Vitality Stadium off the back of a midweek Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham. Cody Gakpo returned to the starting XI against Spurs after injury and scored to continue a fine start to the new season.
Iraola could recall Gakpo to his team in the league too as he looks to leave his old stomping ground with the full three points. And the return of the in-form Dutchman is unlikely to be the only change from the Spurs win. Liverpool's last league game saw them slump to a goalless draw at Fulham and Iraola will be keen for a more encouraging attacking performance heading into the break, given his side does not play again until October 11 when they face Manchester City.
Dominik Szoboszlai's midweek screamer masked what was actually a poor performance, and he wasn't great against Fulham either. His long-range shooting aside, he is struggling to prove he belongs in a two-man pivot with poor passing and positioning.
Given Ronald Araujo played 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup, I'd trial Szoboszlai at right-back for this one. Liverpool also need better deliveries from out wide for Alexander Isak, which the Hungarian can absolutely provide. Having Trey Nyoni stay behind the ball, while Alexis Mac Allister snaps into tackles, could improve Liverpool's structure off the ball.
On it, Nyoni and Mac Allister are faster and more incisive playmakers than Szoboszlai which will be key to getting the ball to the front four for them to counter at speed. Cody Gakpo starts on the left because he's in brilliant form with Bradley Barcola asked to do what he can on the right. If that doesn't work, he can swap sides with Gakpo or be replaced by Victor Munoz off the bench.
Florian Wirtz's form hasn't been great recently but he keeps the No.10 spot after a night off on Tuesday. His work rate will be important in limiting the time players like Alex Scott get on the ball.
Alisson; Szoboszlai, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Barcola, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak
Dominik Szoboszlai needs to return to right-back to take the heat off Jeremie Frimpong, who has endured a poor start to the campaign.
Trey Nyoni has impressed Andoni Iraola in recent weeks and could be rewarded with a Premier League start alongside in-form Alexis Mac Allister in midfield.
Bradley Barcola is probably going to start every game when fit and could share the wings with Cody Gakpo, who has been at the top of his game lately. Alexander Isak will continue to lead the line for Liverpool up front.
Alisson; Szoboszlai, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Barcola, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak
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Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur - Carabao Cup Third Round
Dominik Szoboszlai scored an incredible goal against Tottenham but could be moved to right-back (Image: Getty)
Lewis Koumas can no longer be ignored after his player-of-the-match performance against Tottenham. He is the archetype Andoni Iraola forward who showed up Liverpool's big-money signings in midweek.
Any of the front four could drop out for the young Welshman, but perhaps Florian Wirtz is the player who would struggle most against a physical Bournemouth side built in Iraola's image. Playing off Alexander Isak, as Eli Kroupi Jr did with Evanilson to such success under the Basque boss, could provide the winning formula.
For the same reason, Ryan Gravenberch comes back in, despite not being favoured completely by the head coach. Dominik Szoboszlai will be needed at right-back as neither Ronald Araujo, Jeremie Frimpong or Joe Gomez are equipped to handle Marcus Tavernier.
Alisson; Szoboszlai, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Barcola, Koumas, Gakpo; Isak