Andoni Iraola has named his Liverpool starting XI for his first competitive Premier League game at Anfield — and there are a couple of interesting changes from last weekend’s draw with Newcastle.
The Reds welcome Nottingham Forest to Anfield today looking for their first Premier League victory of the season after the dramatic 2-2 draw at St James’ Park.
Iraola has made two changes to the side that started against Newcastle, with Alexis Mac Allister returning to midfield and Víctor Muñoz handed his first Liverpool start.
Liverpool XI
Alisson
Frimpong – Jacquet – Van Dijk – Kerkez
Mac Allister – Szoboszlai
Muñoz – Wirtz – Gakpo
Isak
Liverpool substitutes
Mamardashvili, Endo, Tsimikas, Araujo, Gravenberch, Nyoni, McConnell, Koumas, Ngumoha.
Mac Allister returns
The return of Mac Allister is particularly interesting.
Liverpool’s midfield was one of the biggest concerns against Newcastle, especially when Forest will likely look to counter-attack whenever they win possession.
Mac Allister brings experience, composure and the ability to control the tempo of the game.
He will need to help provide the balance that Liverpool were missing last weekend.
Munoz gets his chance
Perhaps the most exciting selection is Víctor Muñoz.
After his lively cameo against Newcastle, the youngster has been rewarded with his first start for Liverpool.
He showed at St James’ Park that he is direct, quick and willing to take defenders on.
Now he gets the chance to do it from the start at Anfield.
This is exactly the sort of opportunity young players need.
And with Liverpool’s squad still looking short in attacking areas, Munoz could potentially become a very important player for Iraola this season.
Isak needs service
There is also plenty of attention on Alexander Isak.
The Swedish striker had a frustrating afternoon against his former club last weekend, largely because Liverpool struggled to provide him with quality service.
That simply cannot happen again today.
Liverpool are expected to have plenty of possession against Forest, so Wirtz, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gakpo and Muñoz need to get Isak involved.
If Liverpool can create the opportunities, I expect Isak to cause Forest plenty of problems.
Wirtz has another opportunity
Florian Wirtz also has a point to prove.
His performance against Newcastle wasn’t good enough and Liverpool need considerably more from their record signing.
This could be the perfect opportunity.
Playing in front of an expectant Anfield crowd, Wirtz has the chance to show exactly why Liverpool were prepared to spend so much money bringing him to Merseyside.
We need to see the real Wirtz.
Iraola’s first Anfield game
For Iraola, this is a huge moment.
This is the first time he will lead Liverpool out at Anfield in a competitive Premier League match.
The supporters will be watching closely.
They want to see his football.
They want to see the intensity.
They want to see the pressing.
And, most importantly, they want to see three points.
Liverpool have plenty to improve from Newcastle.
But today is a fresh opportunity.
The new era properly begins at Anfield.
And with Mac Allister back, Munoz starting and Isak looking to make his mark, I’m hoping we see a much more convincing Liverpool performance.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
### _Related_