Alisson returns as Iraola rings the changes for Bournemouth trip

Liverpool travel to the Vitality Stadium on Sunday to face AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League. Andoni Iraola is expected to recall his strongest XI after midweek rotation, with four first-team players still sidelined through injury. The Reds have won their opening Champions League match and progressed in the Carabao Cup.

  • Fixture: AFC Bournemouth vs Liverpool
  • Competition: Premier League
  • Venue: Vitality Stadium
  • Date: Sunday, 20 September 2026
  • Headline team news: Conor Bradley, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined; Iraola is expected to make seven changes from the midweek side.
  • What's at stake: Liverpool look to extend a winning run; Bournemouth are unbeaten in the league this season but have won only one of four and are yet to taste victory in the Premier League under Marco Rose.

Expected line-ups

Liverpool (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Alisson; Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil Van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz; Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola

Substitutes: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Joe Gomez, Jeremie Frimpong, Kostas Tsimikas, Ryan Gravenberch, Trey Nyoni, Victor Muñoz, Rio Ngumoha

Selection notes

Iraola made changes in midweek but is likely to field his strongest available XI here. Alisson Becker returns in goal ahead of Giorgi Mamardashvili after being rested or rotated in the cup. The back four is expected to be Araujo and Kerkez at full-back with Jacquet and Van Dijk in central defence, meaning Gomez, Frimpong and Tsimikas drop to the bench.

In midfield, Mac Allister anchors, Szoboszlai operates box-to-box after scoring an excellent goal against Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup, and Wirtz plays the creative role. Gravenberch and Nyoni are among the substitutes. Gakpo starts on the left after a bright start to the season, Barcola on the right, with Muñoz and Ngumoha as attacking options from the bench. Isak leads the line after starting on the bench in midweek.

Injury and availability

  • Joe Gomez: returned to action against Tottenham in midweek after a pre-season injury; expected to be on the bench.
  • Conor Bradley: remains sidelined with an injury problem.
  • Federico Chiesa: remains sidelined with an injury problem.
  • Hugo Ekitike: remains sidelined with an injury problem.
  • Giovanni Leoni: remains sidelined with an injury problem.

Why Iraola trusts Isak over midweek options

Iraola's decision to restore Alexander Isak to the starting XI is the most telling call. The Swedish striker started on the bench against Tottenham but is expected to lead the line at the Vitality Stadium. With Cody Gakpo in form on the left and Bradley Barcola offering width on the right, Liverpool's front three has a clear balance of pace and directness.

In midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai's box-to-box display in midweek, capped by an excellent goal, earns him a starting role alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz. That trio gives Iraola control and creativity, while Ryan Gravenberch and Trey Nyoni provide fresh legs from the bench if the game becomes stretched.

The back four also reflects a shift towards Iraola's preferred personnel. Virgil Van Dijk partners Jeremy Jacquet, with Ronald Araujo and Milos Kerkez at full-back. That means Joe Gomez, Jeremie Frimpong and Kostas Tsimikas are available but not expected to start, highlighting the depth Liverpool now possess.

Talking points

  • Does Isak starting ahead of the midweek forward options signal that Iraola sees him as his definitive No.9 for the season?
  • With four players still injured, is Liverpool's squad depth strong enough to rotate without dropping points at a tricky away ground?
  • Bournemouth are unbeaten but have won just one of four league games. Can Marco Rose's side finally click against a top side?
  • Should Alisson automatically return, or has Mamardashvili done enough to keep the gloves after the midweek clean sheet?

What happens next

Liverpool travel to face Bournemouth on Sunday, with Iraola expected to name the strongest available XI. The match is a test of whether the Reds can maintain momentum before a busy schedule. Bournemouth, still searching for a first league win under Marco Rose, will hope their confidence from a Europa League victory over Real Sociedad carries into this fixture.

Frequently asked questions

Is Conor Bradley starting for Liverpool vs Bournemouth?

No. Conor Bradley remains sidelined with an injury problem and is not expected to feature.

Who is expected to start in goal for Liverpool against Bournemouth?

Alisson Becker is expected to start ahead of Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is likely to be among the substitutes.

Which Liverpool players are out injured for the Bournemouth game?

Conor Bradley, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined. Joe Gomez returned to action in midweek but is expected to be on the bench.

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