If it were up to me, this is the Liverpool team I would send out against Villarreal tonight.
Alisson in goal, Joe Gomez coming into defence, Ryan Gravenberch returning to midfield and Rio Ngumoha getting a chance from the start.
There are a few changes I would make, but I don’t think this needs to be a complete overhaul.
Liverpool have started their Champions League campaign well, and with another European night at Anfield, I want to see us build on that momentum.
But I also want to see a team with energy, pace and a bit of unpredictability.
And that is exactly why I would give Ngumoha the opportunity to start.
My predicted Liverpool XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Alisson
Joe Gomez — Ronald Araújo — Virgil van Dijk — Kostas Tsimikas
Ryan Gravenberch — Alexis Mac Allister
Florian Wirtz
Rio Ngumoha — Alexander Isak — Bradley Barcola
My preferred starting XI, not the confirmed team.
Gomez and Araújo give us a different look at the back
I’d start Joe Gomez alongside Virgil van Dijk, with Ronald Araújo at right-back and Kostas Tsimikas on the left.
With Jeremie Frimpong and Dominik Szoboszlai unavailable, Liverpool already have changes to make. Gomez deserves an opportunity, while Araújo has shown that he can give the team defensive security on the right.
I also like the idea of Tsimikas getting a start. Kerkez has had a demanding run of games, and this is a chance to freshen things up without weakening the defensive line too much.
Villarreal will bring their own attacking threat, so I don’t want Liverpool becoming careless just because we’re playing at Anfield.
First and foremost, we need to defend properly.
Gravenberch and Mac Allister should start together
This is one of the most important parts of my team.
Ryan Gravenberch is available again after missing the Brentford game through suspension, and I’d bring him straight back alongside Alexis Mac Allister. Liverpool’s official team news confirms that Gravenberch is available, while Szoboszlai is out with a recurrence of his previous injury.
For me, this pairing offers a good balance.
Gravenberch can carry the ball forward and help Liverpool escape pressure, while Mac Allister can dictate the tempo and move possession quickly.
I want to see them take responsibility in midfield rather than allowing Villarreal to settle into the game.
And then there’s Florian Wirtz.
I’d play him in the No. 10 role, where he can find space between the lines and link the midfield with the attack.
We need to get Wirtz on the ball in dangerous areas. He’s at his best when he can turn, pick a pass and bring other players into the game.
This feels like a match where he could make a real difference.
Give Ngumoha a chance
This is the selection I’m most excited about.
I’d start Rio Ngumoha on the left, with Bradley Barcola on the opposite flank and Alexander Isak through the middle.
Ngumoha offers something different. He is direct, fearless and willing to take defenders on. Sometimes a young player can change the feel of a match simply by bringing that energy and unpredictability.
I’m not suggesting we put all the pressure on him to win the game. Far from it.
But if he’s good enough to contribute, I want to see him given opportunities rather than being kept on the bench indefinitely.
Barcola gives us pace and the ability to stretch Villarreal’s defence, while Isak remains the focal point. I’d like to see those three working together, with Wirtz supplying them from behind.
There is plenty of attacking quality in that group.
The challenge is making it click.
Is this the night Wirtz and Isak really connect?
That’s another thing I’d be watching closely.
Liverpool have invested heavily in their attack, and supporters want to see the combinations becoming more natural.
Wirtz needs runners ahead of him. Isak needs service into the right areas. Barcola needs space to attack, while Ngumoha can offer a direct threat from the left.
If Liverpool move the ball quickly and get the timing right, Villarreal could have plenty to deal with.
But I don’t want us forcing everything through the middle or slowing the game down unnecessarily.
Move it quickly. Attack with purpose. Make the most of playing at Anfield.
And when we lose possession, we need to react immediately.
Three points are the priority
Villarreal are not going to come to Anfield simply to make up the numbers. Liverpool need to respect them, stay organised and avoid giving away cheap opportunities.
The official team news confirms that Frimpong and Szoboszlai will miss the game, while Gravenberch is available again.
Those absences make selection more difficult, but they also create opportunities for other players.
I’d like to see Gomez take his chance, Gravenberch and Mac Allister control midfield, Wirtz influence the game and Ngumoha show what he can do from the start.
Most importantly, I want Liverpool to play with confidence and make Villarreal work for everything.
This is my team for tonight. It’s balanced, it has pace in attack, and it gives a young Liverpool talent a chance to make his mark.
Now let’s see whether Iraola agrees with me.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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