After that disappointing defeat to Manchester City, Liverpool need a response tonight.
Andoni Iraola takes his side to Austria to face LASK in the Champions League, and for me, this is a game where we need to see a reaction — but also a few changes.
We’ve got injuries to deal with, a busy run of fixtures ahead and several players who could do with an opportunity to impress.
So, if I were picking the team, I’d give Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha the chance to start.
Here is the XI I think Iraola could go with.
My predicted Liverpool XI
Goalkeeper: Alisson
I’d stick with Alisson. He’s still Liverpool’s number one, and I wouldn’t make changes in goal just for the sake of it. If he’s fit and ready, he starts.
Right-back: Jeremie Frimpong
Frimpong needs a good performance. He offers pace and attacking threat, and this could be an opportunity to get forward more confidently and show what he can bring to Iraola’s system.
Centre-back: Joe Gomez
I’d bring Gomez into the defence. He has plenty of experience and can provide some valuable cover during a demanding spell of fixtures.
Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk gives the back line leadership and organisation. With Liverpool needing to respond to Sunday’s defeat, I’d want his experience in the team, provided he’s fully fit.
Left-back: Milos Kerkez
Kerkez gets another opportunity to build consistency. He has the energy to support the attack, but I’d like to see him balance that with greater defensive discipline.
Midfield: Ryan Gravenberch
I’d give Gravenberch the chance to put a difficult afternoon against City behind him. There’s a very good midfielder in there, and Iraola needs to help him regain his confidence and influence games.
Midfield: Trey Nyoni
This is one of my biggest selections. I want to see Nyoni get proper minutes, and starting him would be a good opportunity to test him in a competitive European game.
Midfield: Alexis Mac Allister
I’d keep Mac Allister in the side. His passing and intelligence could be important against a LASK team who will want to make life difficult for Liverpool. I’d also like him to have the freedom to influence the game further forward.
Right wing: Victor Munoz
Munoz deserves another chance to show his qualities. I’d like to see him attack defenders, make runs behind the back line and give Liverpool some width.
Left wing: Bradley Barcola
Barcola needs minutes and confidence. Iraola has spoken about the importance of building connections with his teammates, and this is another chance for the Frenchman to start making an impact.
Centre-forward: Rio Ngumoha
This would be my boldest selection. With Liverpool short of attacking options, I’d seriously consider giving Ngumoha the central role. He has pace, confidence and the willingness to take players on. It would be a big test, but also a chance to see how he handles the responsibility.
Why I’d make these changes
The first thing I want to see is energy.
Liverpool looked short of answers against City, and with several senior attackers unavailable, Iraola needs other players to step up. The LASK match is an opportunity to do that without simply throwing the same team back out and hoping for a different result.
Nyoni is the player I’m particularly keen to watch. I’ve liked what I’ve seen from him, and I don’t think young players should be kept waiting forever when they’ve shown they can contribute.
Ngumoha is another one. I wouldn’t expect him to solve Liverpool’s attacking problems overnight, but giving him a start could tell us a lot about his development. He has the confidence to run at defenders, and Liverpool could use more of that directness.
I’d also like Barcola to have a strong game. There’s plenty of pressure on him after his big move, but he needs opportunities to build an understanding with the players around him.
A chance to get back on track
I’m not expecting Iraola to make all eleven changes, and this is only my prediction. But I would like to see him use the squad rather than rely on the same players every few days.
Liverpool need to take the Champions League seriously. The win over Atlético Madrid gave them a good start, and another three points would put them in a strong position early in the league phase.
Most importantly, I want to see a better performance than the one against City. More energy, quicker movement and a bit more belief when we get into the final third.
My team would be Alisson; Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Nyoni, Mac Allister; Munoz, Barcola and Ngumoha.
It might be a bold selection, particularly with Ngumoha up front, but I’d rather see Liverpool give their young players a genuine opportunity than leave them waiting on the sidelines.
Now let’s see what Iraola actually has in mind.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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