Liverpool Predicted Lineup for Champions League Opener: Former La Liga Player Could Make Way, New Signing Set for Debut

Liverpool will host Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday evening in the first round of this season's Champions League. The two teams will meet again after facing each other in the league phase last September, one year later. For manager Iraola, the match has special significance as it will be the first time in his coaching career that he leads a team in the Champions League.

Iraola's European experience is limited.

The original article notes that Iraola's only previous European coaching experience dates back to the 2018-19 season, when he led AEK Larnaca in the Europa League. Now on the Champions League touchline, he will face Simeone's experienced Atletico Madrid side. Liverpool beat Ipswich Town 2-0 in the league last Friday, with Isak scoring twice within the opening 10 minutes and both assists coming from an in-form Gakpo. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, lost 0-3 to Athletic Club on Saturday. They led in several statistical categories in that match, but fell behind in the most important one: goals scored.

The main starting lineup uncertainty is on the wings.

Based on the predicted lineup provided in the article, Iraola is likely to keep the framework used against Ipswich Town. Araujo performed well at right-back on Friday, and considering he spent the previous seven seasons playing in La Liga, he is expected to continue starting against a Spanish opponent. The position most likely to change is on the wing. Munoz, who joined from Osasuna, provided pace in the opening round, but Gakpo's attacking impact has made his position less secure.

If Iraola decides to start Barcola, Munoz is the most likely player to make way. Barcola made a positive impact after coming on as a substitute in the previous match, and this Champions League opener could be the moment he earns his first start. The only question is whether Barcola would replace Munoz directly on the right, or whether Gakpo would move to the right while Barcola stays on the left.

Injuries and squad registration restrictions.

In terms of injuries, Ekitike, Conor Bradley, Leoni and Joe Gomez will all miss the match. Chiesa and Wataru Endo have also been left out of the Champions League squad registration list. This means Iraola has limited rotation options, and the starting eleven is unlikely to contain many surprises.

The predicted starting lineup is as follows:

Goalkeeper: Alisson

Defenders: Araujo, Jaecques, Van Dijk, Kerkez

Midfielders: Gravenberch, Szoboszlai

Forwards: Barcola, Wirtz, Gakpo

Striker: Isak

This matchup is listed in the original article as one of the most notable games of the opening round. Other matches in the same round include Arsenal's away trip to Napoli and Real Madrid hosting Inter Milan. If Liverpool can defeat Atletico Madrid at home, it will give them a more proactive start toward qualifying from the group stage.