Image for Crystal Palace vs Liverpool Team News as Iraola Makes Five Changes
Image for Crystal Palace vs Liverpool Team News as Iraola Makes Five Changes
When Andoni Iraola faced the press ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Selhurst Park, his directive to his players was unmistakable: increase the risk threshold in the final third. Back-to-back defeats had laid bare a distinct lack of teeth in attack, putting the Basque manager under pressure to deliver a decisive reaction in the club’s final outing before the international break.
Iraola backed up those words by making five sweeping changes to his starting lineup for Sunday afternoon’s clash against Crystal Palace.
Isak Leads Overhauled Front Line
The primary structural adjustment arrives at the sharp end of the pitch. Alexander Isak returns to the focal point of Liverpool’s attack after starting on the bench in midweek.
Flanking the Swedish international are Cody Gakpo and summer arrival Bradley Barcola, replacing the wide partnership from the previous outing to form a far more direct front three. Florian Wirtz continues in his natural role as the central number 10, tasked with orchestrating transitions behind Isak.
Dominik Szoboszlai moves back into central midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister, forming a double pivot designed to dictate tempo and establish control in the engine room.
Gravenberch Missing Through Injury
Ryan Gravenberch’s absence represents the most significant fitness blow for Liverpool. Having missed out on the Netherlands’ squad selection for the upcoming international break, the midfielder remains sidelined due to an ongoing heel injury.
Defensively, Iraola maintains continuity in front of goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Ronald Araujo starts at right-back opposite Milos Kerkez on the left, while Jeremy Jacquet retains his spot alongside captain Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the defense.
Young prodigy Rio Ngumoha takes his place among the substitutes alongside senior cover including Joe Gomez, Kostas Tsimikas, Wataru Endo, and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
The Reds to take on Crystal Palace ?? #CRYLIV pic.twitter.com/SzoEz5x1pp
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 8, 2026
Confirmed Team Sheets
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Gakpo, Wirtz, Barcola; Isak.
Substitutes: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Tsimikas, Endo, McConnell, Nyoni, Munoz, Ngumoha, Koumas.
Crystal Palace XI: Henderson (c); Mingueza, Richards, Disasi, Lerma, Mitchell; Wharton, Timber; Kamada, Pino; Strand Larsen.
Substitutes: Benítez, Canvot, Khalaili, Doucouré, Hughes, Chilwell, Osorio, McNeil, Nketiah.