Liverpool Predicted XI vs Brentford: Van Dijk, Kerkez, Mac Allister Return

Liverpool Predicted XI vs Brentford: Van Dijk and Three Others Return in Four Changes

Liverpool face Brentford in the Premier League at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday at 3:00pm. Andoni Iraola is expected to make four changes from the Champions League win over LASK as Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz return to the starting line-up.

Kick-off: Saturday, 3:00pm
Venue: Gtech Community Stadium
Competition: Premier League, matchday seven
Changes: Four expected from the midweek Champions League win
Returns: Van Dijk, Kerkez, Mac Allister and Munoz
At stake: Liverpool aim to bounce back from their first league defeat of the season at Manchester City.

Confirmed line-ups

Liverpool (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Alisson; Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Trey Nyoni, Alexis Mac Allister; Victor Munoz, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola; Lewis Koumas

Substitutes: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Kostas Tsimikas, Jeremie Frimpong, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Rio Ngumoha, Alexander Isak, plus others to be confirmed.

Note: Gravenberch and Szoboszlai are not expected to be involved; they are listed here as unavailable. The source does not name the full bench, so other substitutes are likely from the squad.

Selection notes

Virgil van Dijk returns to the starting line-up after coming off the bench to play the final half hour in the Champions League. The captain is expected to partner Jeremy Jacquet in the heart of the defence.

Ronald Araujo, who played as a centre back against LASK and scored his first goal for the Reds, could revert to right back, replacing Jeremie Frimpong despite the Dutchman's solid display on Wednesday. At left back, Milos Kerkez is potentially starting ahead of Kostas Tsimikas.

In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch is suspended and Dominik Szoboszlai is unlikely to be risked ahead of next Tuesday's fixture versus Villarreal. That means 19-year-old Trey Nyoni is expected to play in the double pivot again, this time alongside Alexis Mac Allister, who started the LASK clash from the bench. Florian Wirtz could continue at number 10.

Rio Ngumoha, who was employed on the right wing in the Champions League outing, could move back to the bench, paving the way for Victor Munoz to start. Bradley Barcola was the star of the show in Austria for the Reds and his hat-trick is set to be rewarded with more minutes as the Frenchman is likely to start on the left flank, hoping to find his maiden Premier League goal.

Up front, Alexander Isak's fitness might also be managed carefully ahead of the Champions League next week, so Lewis Koumas may retain his place in the team as the striker.

Injury and availability

Ryan Gravenberch: Suspended – unavailable.
Dominik Szoboszlai: Unlikely to be risked ahead of next Tuesday's Villarreal fixture – expected to miss out.
Alexander Isak: Fitness being managed carefully ahead of the Champions League – may start on the bench.

Why Iraola is rotating

Andoni Iraola's hand is being forced by a combination of suspension, fitness management and the upcoming Champions League tie with Villarreal. The return of Virgil van Dijk is the most significant boost. His presence allows Ronald Araujo to shift to right back, where his defensive solidity could be preferred to the more attacking Jeremie Frimpong against a direct Brentford side. On the left, Milos Kerkez gets the nod over Kostas Tsimikas to provide natural width.

In midfield, the absence of Ryan Gravenberch and the caution over Dominik Szoboszlai means Trey Nyoni and Alexis Mac Allister will form the double pivot. That pairing offers a blend of youthful energy and experienced control. Florian Wirtz at number 10 will be the creative hub, with Victor Munoz on the right and Bradley Barcola on the left tasked with stretching the Brentford defence.

Up front, Lewis Koumas is expected to lead the line again. The 18-year-old will be looking to make an impression, but he will need support from Barcola, who is full of confidence after his hat-trick. The pace of the front four could cause Brentford problems, but the midfield duo must provide a solid base to avoid being overrun.

Talking points

Is resting Alexander Isak for the Champions League the right call, or does it risk dropping points against a tricky Brentford side?
Does Ronald Araujo at right back make Liverpool too defensive, especially with Frimpong available?
Can the inexperienced midfield pivot of Nyoni and Mac Allister cope with Brentford's physicality and set-piece threat?
Should Bradley Barcola be given a Premier League start after his hat-trick, or is it too soon for the young Frenchman?

What happens next

Liverpool travel to the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday at 3:00pm, knowing a win is vital to keep pace at the top of the table after their first league defeat of the season at Manchester City. A positive result would set them up for next Tuesday's Champions League fixture against Villarreal.

Frequently asked questions

Is Virgil van Dijk starting for Liverpool vs Brentford?

Yes, Virgil van Dijk is expected to return to the starting line-up after coming off the bench in the Champions League. He will partner Jeremy Jacquet in central defence.