Supporters can expect Andoni Iraola to continue shuffling his starting eleven for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on 25 October. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Liverpool head coach admitted his squad has felt the physical toll after playing five matches in 28 days.
“Sometimes the players are tired or there is more risk involved and we are deciding to give more rest or to use more fresh legs when we decide, and it’s going to continue to be the same against Brighton, Chelsea and Arsenal because this doesn’t stop,” Iraola said.
Our predicted Liverpool starting XI vs Brighton
Key selection calls: Defense, midfield and attack
While Iraola would like to rotate further, injuries limit his options in several key areas. With Wataru Endo still sidelined, the only expected change in the backline from Tuesday’s win over Villarreal sees Milos Kerkez return at left-back in place of Kostas Tsimikas alongside Jérémy Jacquet, Ronald Araujo, and captain Virgil van Dijk ahead of Alisson Becker.
In the midfield double pivot, Szoboszlai’s absence makes Ryan Gravenberch an automatic inclusion alongside Alexis Mac Allister to provide ball progression and defensive cover against Brighton’s high press. Further forward, Rio Ngumoha keeps his place on the right flank with Muñoz doubtful, while Florian Wirtz and a fit-again Bradley Barcola step back in for Trey Nyoni and Cody Gakpo. Up front, Alexander Isak returns to lead the line after Lewis Koumas gave him a well-earned rest in midweek.
Selection dilemmas and game-changers off the bench
If Iraola looks to change the game in the second half, his strongest options will come from the bench rather than risking further muscle injuries from the start. Seeing Szoboszlai suffer a setback so soon after returning is a clear reminder that the coaching staff must manage workloads carefully ahead of upcoming fixtures against Chelsea and Arsenal.
Cody Gakpo offers an immediate attacking spark as a second-half substitute, while Joe Gomez is the most likely option to shore up the defence late on if Liverpool’s back four begins to tire in the final 20 minutes.
LFC Globe Verdict and pick your starting XI
Andoni Iraola has managed squad minutes well so far to keep Liverpool competing across all fronts, even as injuries test the squad’s depth. Given the current availability list, this eleven gives the Reds the best balance of fresh legs and attacking firepower to break down a dangerous Brighton side and secure all three points at Anfield.
Do you agree with our predicted lineup, or would you start Cody Gakpo from the first whistle? Drop a comment below and use our interactive Squad Selector to build your own Liverpool starting XI!
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