Liverpool Starting XI vs Villarreal: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

Liverpool Starting XI vs Villarreal: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup Liverpool vs Villarreal Predicted XI as Andoni Iraola Reshapes Injury-Hit Side Liverpool head into the Villarreal game with points in the bag from Brentford, but a couple of fresh problems to solve. The 2-1 win came at a cost, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong both going off injured, and Andoni Iraola has already ruled them out for this Champions League test at Anfield. Frimpong looks set for a longer absence, while Szoboszlai’s issue appears less severe. Either way, neither is available, and that forces changes. It also removes some of Liverpool’s running power and balance on the right. Iraola turns to Gravenberch and Gakpo Ryan Gravenberch is expected to return straight away after missing the Brentford trip through suspension. He should slot back into midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister, giving Liverpool more control in deeper areas. That part of the team almost picks itself given the absentees. Photo: IMAGO Further forward, Cody Gakpo is back in the picture after his recent injury lay-off. Iraola has said he expects the Dutch forward to feature, and the logical move is for him to replace Victor Munoz. If that happens, Liverpool’s attacking unit will likely be Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola and Alexander Isak around him in support of the main threat up top. Defence largely settled for Villarreal clash Ronald Araujo looks set to start after appearing for 45 minutes at the weekend. He was alongside Iraola before the match and all signs point to him keeping his place at right-back. Virgil van Dijk should continue in the heart of defence, with Jacquet and Milos Kerkez also expected to keep their spots, though Kostas Tsimikas is an option if Iraola wants to rotate. Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley remain out with long-term knee injuries, while Hugo Ekitike is also listed among the absentees. Predicted Liverpool XI vs Villarreal Alisson, Araujo, Van Dijk, Jacquet, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Gakpo, Wirtz, Barcola, Isak. On the bench, Rio Ngumoha, Lewis Koumas and Trey Nyoni will hope for minutes after encouraging cameos at Brentford. Liverpool should still have enough quality to manage this well, but the margin for error narrows when the injury list starts growing.