Liverpool travel to Istanbul to face Fenerbahce in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, looking to bounce back from their Premier League defeat to Arsenal at Anfield. The Reds hold a perfect record in the competition this season and aim to extend their 100% start against the Super Lig side, currently managed by former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt.
Manager Andoni Iraola will be without midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who is suffering from a heel problem. The Dutchman was an unused substitute against Arsenal on Sunday, and with a Premier League clash against Crystal Palace at the weekend, the Spanish boss may rotate his squad with one eye on Selhurst Park.
Ian Doyle's Starting XI
Ian Doyle expects changes but not in goal, keeping Alisson Becker. He suggests Kostas Tsimikas at left-back and Joe Gomez at right-back, with Ronald Araujo shuffling across to join Virgil van Dijk at centre-back. In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister continues alongside Dominik Szoboszlai at the base, with Florian Wirtz as the number 10. Up front, Cody Gakpo leads the line with Rio Ngumoha on the right and Bradley Barcola on the left.
Doyle's team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Gomez, Araujo, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Barcola; Gakpo.
Paul Gorst and Theo Squires' Picks
Paul Gorst sticks with Trey Nyoni despite Gravenberch's absence, giving Szoboszlai a chance to return. He expects Tsimikas to replace Milos Kerkez, with Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet and Van Dijk keeping their places. Mac Allister starts alongside Nyoni in midfield, Victor Munoz returns on the right wing, and Barcola gets a breather on the left, with Gakpo shuffling over. Wirtz plays at number 10 and Alexander Isak leads the line.
Gorst's team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Munoz, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Theo Squires expects Iraola to rotate again despite the intimidating atmosphere. He would rest Araujo and start Gomez at right-back, with Tsimikas coming in for Kerkez. Nyoni keeps his place alongside Mac Allister, but Wirtz drops to the bench, with Szoboszlai getting the nod at number 10 following his return from injury. Munoz starts on the right and Ngumoha returns on the left, with Isak leading the line.
Squires' team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Gomez, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Munoz, Szoboszlai, Ngumoha; Isak.
