By Isaac Mission
Liverpool return to Premier League action on Saturday looking to make it three consecutive victories when they welcome Fulham to Anfield.
The Reds have enjoyed a strong start, following their 2-0 league victory over Ipswich Town with a 2-1 Champions League win against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Andoni Iraola made two changes for the European fixture, handing Bradley Barcola his first start since completing his £123 million move from Paris Saint-Germain. Rio Ngumoha was also restored to the starting lineup.
Victor Munoz was among those who dropped to the bench, while Cody Gakpo missed the match because of an abductor problem.
Iraola remains uncertain over whether the Dutch forward will recover in time for the Fulham clash.
The Liverpool manager, however, eased concerns over Barcola and Milos Kerkez after both players were substituted during the Atletico game. The pair were withdrawn after experiencing cramp rather than suffering significant injuries.
Liverpool could also have Joe Gomez available after the defender returned to training earlier this week. Wataru Endo is another option after becoming eligible for domestic competition, having been omitted from the club's Champions League squad.
Kerkez Under Consideration
Kerkez could be one of the players facing competition for his starting position against Fulham.
The Hungarian defender attracted criticism for his role in Atletico Madrid’s goal, with Marcos Llorente able to move away from him before finding the net. Kerkez subsequently left the pitch with cramp.
Should Iraola decide to rotate at left-back, Kostas Tsimikas is the most obvious replacement.
Elsewhere in defence, Ronald Araujo is expected to continue at right-back after another impressive display. Jeremie Frimpong remains an alternative, while Gomez could also come into consideration if he is deemed ready to return.
Mac Allister and Szoboszlai Continue Partnership
Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai strengthened their case for continued selection in midfield by both getting on the scoresheet against Atletico Madrid.
The pair have increasingly formed the preferred double pivot, limiting Ryan Gravenberch to a substitute role.
Gravenberch could potentially return to the starting lineup against Fulham, although a more likely opportunity may come in next Tuesday’s League Cup meeting with Tottenham Hotspur.
Florian Wirtz is also expected to retain his position behind the striker, while Trey Nyoni, James McConnell and Endo provide additional midfield options.
Gakpo Absence Could Affect Forward Plans
Gakpo’s fitness remains one of Liverpool’s biggest concerns heading into the weekend.
Iraola has not been able to confirm whether the Netherlands international will recover from his abductor problem in time to face Fulham.
The situation could become more complicated by Barcola’s fitness. The new signing has yet to prove he can handle a full 90 minutes and was forced off against Atletico after experiencing cramp.
If Gakpo is unavailable again, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz are expected to compete for a place in the attack. Both could potentially feature if the coaching staff decides Barcola should not start twice within four days.
Alexander Isak is expected to lead the attack, with Lewis Koumas and Jayden Danns providing the remaining options.
Liverpool are already without Federico Chiesa and Hugo Ekitike because of injury, leaving Iraola with limited alternatives as he balances squad rotation and player fitness ahead of another busy stretch of fixtures.
