A closer look at how Liverpool could line up against Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday night
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 17: Alexander Isak of Liverpool celebrates the 1-2 win during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Brentford and Liverpool FC at Gtech Community Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Brentford, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Alexander Isak was Liverpool's match-winner against Brentford but may need to be rest for the midweek Champions League match (Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Liverpool return to action on Tuesday night when they host Villarreal in the Champions League. The Reds will look to make it three wins from three in the league phase and take a sizable step toward qualifying for the knockout stages for a third straight season since the competition received its new-look group-stage format.
After an opening victory against Atletico Madrid at Anfield, Andoni Iraola's men hammered LASK in Austria last week and a success against the Yellow Submarine on Tuesday night will put them in a strong position once more.
Sixteen points has been enough in both seasons for teams to qualify inside the top eight and a win for Liverpool against their La Liga visitors will strengthen their hand further in the lucrative Champions League.
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But how will Reds boss Iraola look to play it? The ECHO, as always, takes a closer look ahead of the game.
At the back
With Jeremie Frimpong sidelined, after he pulled up just a few minutes into his second-half cameo at Brentford, Ronald Araujo is expected to keep his place at right-back alongside Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet and Milos Kerkez.
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However, if Iraola is looking for more attacking dynamism then Victor Munoz may be a left-field selection after he popped up with an excellent goal after filling in for Frimpong at Brentford.
Spain winger Munoz is not used to playing at full-back, of course, but it could be an option if Iraola is looking to go with an attacking setup. It's unlikely he will but the option is there. Joe Gomez may also get the nod but the safe bet is on Araujo.
However, with a visit from high-flying Brighton to come at Anfield on Sunday, might this be an opportunity to change one or two things around on Tuesday night?
An engine room return?
In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch is expected to return and Dominik Szoboszlai won't feature after aggravating a hamstring problem in the first half against Brentford. Trey Nyoni is also an option but Alexis Mac Allister should start.
“Dom felt the same injury, so that injury probably isn’t healed enough so we will need more time with him," Iraola said when asked about Szoboszlai's issue at the weekend.
Van Dijk added: "Hopefully it's not too bad but if you have to come off, it doesn't look too good, especially with the game coming up on Tuesday again."
Gravenberch excelled against Manchester City, prior to his red card, and it was heartening to see that performance from the former Ajax youngster for an hour. Given Szoboszlai's absence, this one feels like an easy call for Iraola.
Ryan Gravenberch walks down the tunnel
Ryan Gravenberch saw red against Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)
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Florian Wirtz will once more be deployed in the the 'Florian Wirtz role' in Iraola's system and it's been a good few days for the Germany international after his showing against LASK and his performance at Brentford.
Wirtz picked up assists in both games and was a hive of activity throughout against the Bees, creating nine chances in total, including the pass for Munoz to equalise.
"I think Flo is doing well," captain Van Dijk said after the win against Brentford. "He is always going to be in the spotlight playing for Liverpool - one of the biggest clubs in the world. It is just about him showing each and every game that he is a Liverpool player."
Up top
Does Alexander Isak lead the line once more? The Sweden international has only just returned from a thigh issue and the form he is in right now in front of goal - five this season - it would be a huge blow to lose him if overextended.
"I'm glad he came out of the game tired but all good," Van Dijk said of Isak. "And he was important with the goal. It is now recovery and onto the next one."
Cody Gakpo may feature after being left on the bench against the Bees. The Netherlands international hurt his ankle in the international break but if he is cleared to return, then could he play through the middle in place of Isak?
Gakpo may even be asked to feature on the left if Iraola believes Bradley Barcola is in need of a rest. The France winger is still building up his fitness and looked tired in the closing stages of Saturday's win, so the option is there for Iraola.
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 17: Bradley Barcola of Liverpool runs with the ball under pressure from Michael Kayode of Brentford during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Brentford and Liverpool FC at Gtech Community Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Bradley Barcola of Liverpool runs with the ball under pressure from Michael Kayode of Brentford (Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
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Rio Ngumoha has also staked a real claim after his inventive cameo off the bench at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Does Iraola swap in the 18-year-old in place of Munoz on that right side? It feels like the attacking options are plentiful right now. That's before we've even mentioned Lewis Koumas, the workhorse.
Virgil van Dijk (Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk (Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)