Liverpool face a big lineup question when Atletico Madrid visit Anfield for Matchday 1 of the Champions League. Bradley Barcola is ready to play a full 90 on the left wing, but that spot is currently occupied by Cody Gakpo, who has been Liverpool’s best player in the early EPL season. What is Andoni Iraola to do? I say, why not start them both? Keep reading to see how.
The Explanation
So just how does the boss start both key players up front? He should keep Gakpo on the left, slide Barcola to the middle behind Alexander Isak and have a steady rotation of Victor Muñoz and Rio Ngumoha on the right throughout the campaign. Unfortunately, that means that Florian Wirtz’s minutes will be cut. While Wirtz is a solid player, his contributions since joining the Reds have been limited, so he is the logical choice to drop to the bench.
Other Possibilities
Barcola could come in the Starting XI as a straight swap for Gakpo at his more natural left-wing spot, leave Wirtz in the middle, and have Ngumoha or Muñoz on the right. That would leave a top player on the bench, and I really don’t think Iraola will go that direction, but he could. The midfield and the backline looked solid vs. Ipswich, so I don’t see many changes there, particularly since Wataru Endo was left off of the UCL team sheet.
LFC Globe Verdict
If Iraola can manage to get both Barcola and Gakpo on the field at the same time while keeping the pair of young right wingers happy, he will have done a masterful job. Now it’s time to see if he will pull the trigger on such a move when conventional wisdom says to start Barcola and bring Gakpo off the bench.
Have Your Say
Do you like the idea of starting Barcola and Gakpo? Why or why not? Let us know below.
Prediction
Liverpool 2 Atletico 1
First Goal
Where to Watch
| Kick-off | UK kickoff TBC | UK kickoff TBC | UK kickoff TBC |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV Channel | TNT Sports | Paramount + /TUDN (Spanish) | FUBO TV |
| Live Stream | HBO Max | Paramount+ | FUBO TV |
