Liverpool Predicted XI vs Fulham: Gakpo Returns, One Change

Cody Gakpo returns as Andoni Iraola makes one change for Liverpool vs Fulham

Liverpool host Fulham at Anfield on matchday four of the Premier League, kicking off at 15:00 local time tomorrow. Andoni Iraola's side are chasing a third successive win after beating Ipswich Town last weekend and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in midweek, and Cody Gakpo is set to return to the starting line-up.

Fixture: Liverpool vs Fulham, Premier League matchday four
Venue: Anfield
Kick-off: 15:00 local time tomorrow
Headline selection: Cody Gakpo returns on the left wing, replacing Rio Ngumoha
At stake: A third straight win, with Fulham having lost all their matches so far
Form: Liverpool beat Ipswich Town and Atletico Madrid in their last two outings

Predicted line-ups

Liverpool (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker

Defenders: Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez

Midfielders (double pivot): Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai

Attacking midfield: Florian Wirtz (number 10); Braden Barcola (right wing), Cody Gakpo (left wing)

Forward: Alexander Isak

Substitutes: Not specified in the source.

Selection notes

Iraola is predicted to make one change from the side that beat Atletico Madrid: Cody Gakpo comes in on the left wing for Rio Ngumoha. Gakpo missed the Atletico match with a minor problem but has played very well so far this season.

Ronald Araujo is likely to have overtaken Jeremie Frimpong in the right-back pecking order after back-to-back starts and high-quality performances. The rest of the defensive quartet — Milos Kerkez, Jeremy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk — is unchanged.

In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister, the match-winner against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, could continue in the double pivot ahead of Ryan Gravenberch. Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to retain his place, with Florian Wirtz the favourite at number 10.

Braden Barcola was substituted in the second half against Atletico but is likely to continue on the right wing after the issue was confirmed not to be an injury. Alexander Isak, who scored both goals in the 2-0 win over Ipswich Town, is the favourite to lead the line.

Injury and availability

Cody Gakpo missed the Atletico Madrid clash with a minor problem but is set to return. Braden Barcola was substituted in the second half of the same match, but the issue was confirmed not to be an injury and he is expected to feature. No other absences are mentioned in the source.

Why Iraola opts for Gakpo over Ngumoha

Iraola faces a straightforward call on the left wing. Cody Gakpo has been one of Liverpool's best performers this season and his minor problem has cleared, so he returns at the expense of Rio Ngumoha. It is a selection based on form and availability rather than any change in system.

The more interesting decision is at right back, where Ronald Araujo has now started back-to-back games and delivered high-quality performances. That has seen him overtake Jeremie Frimpong in the pecking order. With Milos Kerkez, Jeremy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk keeping their places, the defensive quartet is unchanged from midweek.

In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister is likely to keep his spot in the double pivot ahead of Ryan Gravenberch after his decisive goal against Atletico Madrid. Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz complete the engine room, with Braden Barcola and Cody Gakpo flanking Alexander Isak, who scored twice against Ipswich Town.

Talking points

Is Araujo now Liverpool's first-choice right back, or is Frimpong simply being rested after a busy schedule?
Does Mac Allister's winning goal against Atletico make him undroppable, or should Gravenberch come back in for fresh legs?
With Gakpo back, how long before Ngumoha gets another Premier League start?
Fulham have lost all their matches so far — is this a must-win for them to avoid an early crisis?

What happens next

Liverpool face Fulham at Anfield tomorrow at 15:00 local time. A win would make it three victories on the spin and continue their recovery from a slow start in the first two league games. Iraola's men then turn their attention to the next round of fixtures, with the pressure firmly on Fulham, who are still searching for their first points of the season.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cody Gakpo starting for Liverpool vs Fulham?

Yes. Gakpo is predicted to return to the starting XI on the left wing, replacing Rio Ngumoha. He missed the Atletico Madrid match with a minor problem.

Who is Liverpool's right back vs Fulham?

Ronald Araujo is likely to start at right back after back-to-back starts and high-quality performances, having overtaken Jeremie Frimpong in the pecking order.