Andoni Iraola faces some HUGE decisions as Liverpool prepare for a difficult Premier League trip!
Liverpool are hoping to welcome back Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo for Saturday’s clash against Brentford, but will the influential trio be fit enough to feature? 🤔
The Reds travel to the Gtech Community Stadium looking to build on their thrilling 6-3 Champions League victory over LASK, although several important selection decisions remain unresolved.
🔥 THREE INJURY DOUBTS — WHO WILL MAKE IT?
Szoboszlai has been struggling with a hamstring problem, while Isak is recovering from a thigh injury and Gakpo has been dealing with an ankle issue.
All three missed Liverpool’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Manchester City and were subsequently left out of the squad that travelled to Austria to face LASK.
Iraola has confirmed that he is keeping the possibility of their returns open, but Liverpool supporters will have to wait for further clarity before knowing whether any of them can play against Brentford.
Their availability could significantly influence the manager’s starting XI.
🚨 GRAVENBERCH SUSPENDED AFTER MAN CITY RED CARD!
Liverpool will definitely be without Ryan Gravenberch, who must serve a one-match suspension following his controversial dismissal against Manchester City.
His absence leaves a midfield vacancy, with Alexis Mac Allister expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested against LASK.
Teenager Trey Nyoni could also retain his place if Szoboszlai fails to recover in time.
👀 KOUMAS TO LEAD THE ATTACK AGAIN?
With Isak and Gakpo doubts, Liverpool may have to rely on young forward Lewis Koumas once again.
The youngster made headlines against LASK by scoring his first Champions League goal after having two earlier efforts ruled out for offside.
Bradley Barcola is expected to provide attacking support from the left following his sensational midweek hat-trick.
Florian Wirtz could continue in the No. 10 role despite criticism of his recent performances, while the right-wing position could be contested by Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz.
A potential return for Szoboszlai would give Iraola another option in attack or midfield.
🔴 VAN DIJK RETURNS AS DEFENCE GETS A SHAKE-UP!
Captain Virgil van Dijk is expected to return to the starting XI after being rested against LASK.
His comeback could see Ronald Araujo move to right-back, with Jeremy Jacquet partnering Van Dijk in central defence.
Milos Kerkez is also expected to reclaim the left-back position from Kostas Tsimikas, while Alisson Becker should continue in goal.
Meanwhile, Giovanni Leoni’s comeback has suffered another setback. Iraola reportedly expects the defender to remain out of training until the November international break.
Hugo Ekitike and Conor Bradley also remain unavailable.
📋 PREDICTED LIVERPOOL XI VS BRENTFORD
Formation: 4-2-3-1
🧤 Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
🛡️ Defenders: Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez
⚙️ Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Trey Nyoni
🎯 Attacking midfield: Victor Munoz, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola
⚽ Striker: Lewis Koumas
Injured: Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni
Doubts: Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo
Suspended: Ryan Gravenberch
📅 Match: Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ Kick-off: 3:00 PM BST (3:00 PM in Nigeria)
🏟️ Venue: Gtech Community Stadium
👇 LIVERPOOL FANS, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Should Iraola start Lewis Koumas if Isak and Gakpo are still unavailable, or should he make another attacking change?
And if Szoboszlai returns, should he start immediately?
DROP YOUR PREDICTED LIVERPOOL XI IN THE COMMENTS! 🔴🔥
