Andoni Iraola press conference after Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
Andoni Iraola press conference after Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
Liverpool are in Turkey on Wednesday evening as this season’s league phase reaches the halfway point and head coach Andoni Iraola could opt to freshen things up for his side’s eighth fixture in just 24 days.
Szoboszlai made his return to action, after missing the three previous matches with a hamstring complaint, as a second half substitute in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at the weekend.
Ryan Gravenberch, meanwhile, was an unused substitute in the loss to the Premier League champions as youngster Trey Nyoni was given the nod in central midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister at Anfield.
Iraola may opt to restore Szoboszlai as Gravenberch has been ruled out with a heel injury, meaning the Spaniard is likely to keep faith in Nyoni for a third Champions League match in a row.
Elsewhere, there could be changes in the full-back positions. Kostas Tsimikas has started the last two games in Europe and may give Milos Kerkez a breather. On the opposite side, Joe Gomez is an option to replace Ronald Araujo.
Rio Ngumoha was electric in the comeback win over Villarreal last time out in the Champions League and could replace Cody Gakpo in attack after a largely ineffective showing from the Dutchman against Arsenal.
Alexander Isak is expected to lead the line for Liverpool in Istanbul, with Florian Wirtz hoping to provide a goal contribution for a third successive league phase game but Bradley Barcola’s place might be under threat.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Gomez, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Szoboszlai, Nyoni; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Barcola; Isak
Injured: Ekitike, Frimpong, Bradley, Leoni, Gravenberch
Ineligible: Endo, Chiesa
How to watch: TNT Sports
Venue: Chobani Stadyumu, Istanbul