Predicted Liverpool XI vs Atletico Madrid: Barcola handed first start, Frimpong in for Araujo
Liverpool host Atletico Madrid at Anfield in their Champions League opener tonight at 20:00 UK time, with Andoni Iraola expected to make three changes from the weekend's Premier League win over Ipswich Town.
- Kick-off: 20:00 UK time
- Venue: Anfield
- Competition: Champions League matchday one
- Headline selection: £123m summer recruit Bradley Barcola is expected to make his first start
- Key change: Jeremie Frimpong could replace Ronald Araujo at right-back
- Opponents: Atletico Madrid lost 3-0 at Athletic Bilbao in La Liga last time out
Confirmed line-ups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Starting XI: Alisson; Jeremie Frimpong, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai; Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo; Alexander Isak
Substitutes: Not specified in the source
Selection notes
Ryan Gravenberch is expected to replace Alexis Mac Allister in the double pivot, with the Argentine reportedly lacking the pace and physicality to cope with Atletico's transitions. Bradley Barcola, the £123m summer signing, made his debut off the bench against Ipswich Town last Friday and is now set for his first start on the right flank. Jeremie Frimpong is tipped to come in for Ronald Araujo at right-back, with the Dutchman's offensive qualities seen as key against a stubborn defence. Up front, Alexander Isak, who scored twice against Ipswich, leads the line.
What was said
Jeremie Frimpong's offensive qualities will be key against a stubborn defence.
The source notes that Alexis Mac Allister might be benched due to Atletico's quick transitions, suggesting Iraola prioritises mobility in midfield.
Analysis: Why Iraola may favour Frimpong and Gravenberch
Andoni Iraola's expected changes point to a tactical shift for the European stage. With Jeremie Frimpong at right-back, Liverpool gain an extra attacking outlet down the flank, vital against an Atletico side that tends to sit deep. His pace and forward runs could stretch the visitors and create space for Bradley Barcola on the wing.
In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch's athleticism over Alexis Mac Allister suggests Iraola is wary of Atletico's counter-attacking threats, particularly from transitions. Gravenberch's ability to cover ground quickly and break up play may be more valuable than Mac Allister's creative passing in this specific matchup.
Talking points
- Does dropping Alexis Mac Allister for a Champions League opener signal a long-term shift in Iraola's midfield pecking order?
- Jeremie Frimpong's attacking instincts could leave gaps for Atletico's wingers — is the trade-off worth it?
- Bradley Barcola's first start comes in a high-pressure European night; can he replicate his debut impact?
- Alexander Isak, fresh from a brace against Ipswich, will be eager to prove his pedigree on the continental stage.
What happens next
Kick-off at Anfield is at 20:00 UK time tonight. Liverpool will aim to start their Champions League campaign with a win, while Atletico Madrid will look to bounce back from their heavy La Liga defeat. The result could set the tone for both clubs' European ambitions this season.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bradley Barcola starting for Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid?
Yes, according to the predicted line-up, Barcola is expected to make his first start for Liverpool, having debuted off the bench against Ipswich Town.
Why is Alexis Mac Allister not starting for Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid?
The source suggests Mac Allister might be replaced by Ryan Gravenberch because he lacks the pace and physicality to cope with Atletico Madrid's transitions.
Who is playing at right-back for Liverpool against Atletico Madrid?
Jeremie Frimpong is predicted to start at right-back in place of Ronald Araujo, with his offensive qualities highlighted as key.
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