Bradley Barcola has been passed fit to start for Liverpool against Fulham at Anfield, while Cody Gakpo is among the substitutes after a week in which both attackers were fitness concerns.
The confirmed teams also show a notably altered Liverpool side following Wednesday’s Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid. Alexis Mac Allister, who decided that match, is on the bench, while Kostas Tsimikas replaces Milos Kerkez at left-back. Dominik Szoboszlai retains his place in midfield.
Fulham hand centre-back David Affengruber a debut and restore Sander Berge to the starting side. Joachim Andersen drops to the bench as Alvaro Arbeloa makes changes following last weekend’s defeat by Crystal Palace.
Barcola cleared, but Gakpo status remains qualified
The central pre-match question concerned the condition of Liverpool’s wide options. Barcola was withdrawn late in the Atletico game, but the concern was subsequently understood to be cramp rather than an injury. His inclusion from the outset confirms that assessment.
Gakpo’s situation is less clear-cut. He had reported discomfort around his adductor area after last Friday’s win at Ipswich and did not feature in midweek. The match framing that he has been rested simplifies a more uncertain picture: reports had described a late fitness check, and his place on the bench means Liverpool retain the option of using him without confirming that he is ready for a full match.
That distinction matters for the shape of the attack. Barcola starts on the right, with Victor Munoz selected from the left and Florian Wirtz operating behind Alexander Isak. It is a front line built to move and interchange, but it also leaves Gakpo as the most obvious experienced attacking change if Liverpool need more control or penalty-box presence later on.
Liverpool have had to recover from losing positions in three of their first four matches in all competitions. That record gives the rotations added significance. The aim against a side yet to take a point is not simply to preserve energy after Europe, but to establish authority early enough that Iraola can avoid calling upon every senior option.
Midfield selection points to balance
Mac Allister’s benching is the other major call. His winning goal against Atletico was an important reminder of his quality in advanced areas, yet his omission suggests workload management after a demanding midweek outing rather than a tactical demotion.
Szoboszlai stays in alongside Ryan Gravenberch, with Wirtz ahead of them. It is a combination that should give Liverpool the capacity to press high and get runners around Isak, while asking Gravenberch to provide the deeper security when full-backs advance.
Tsimikas’s selection adds another layer. Kerkez also came off against Atletico, reportedly with cramp, but he is available among the replacements. Ronald Araujo continues at right-back, while Virgil van Dijk and Jacquet form the central pairing. The changes across the back four underline how carefully Liverpool are managing a compressed opening schedule.
Fulham seek defensive reset
For Fulham, Affengruber’s debut is the headline decision. The visitors have conceded seven times across their opening three league fixtures, so replacing Andersen in the centre of defence is both a personnel change and an attempt to arrest a damaging pattern.
Berge’s return should offer more protection in front of the defence, partnered by Charle. Ahead of them, Oscar Bobb, King and Alex Iwobi support Gonzalo. Iwobi appears set to operate from the left rather than the more restrained midfield role he has occupied at times, an indication that Fulham do not intend to abandon their attacking threat despite their difficult start.
Only Tom Cairney is reported absent, leaving Arbeloa with options from the bench including Andersen, Emile Smith Rowe, Cesar Palacios and Rodrigo Muniz. The selection nevertheless carries risk: a new central-defensive partnership must immediately handle Isak’s movement and Liverpool’s rotating attacking midfielders.
A test of Liverpool’s control
The teamsheet makes Liverpool clear favourites, but it also exposes the key issue for the hosts. Anfield has seen enough early turbulence this season to make another slow start costly, particularly against opponents likely to see value in transitions through Bobb and Iwobi.
Fulham’s poor opening results and defensive concession rate explain the changes, but they do not answer whether Affengruber and Berge can improve the side’s organisation straight away. Liverpool, meanwhile, have strength in reserve, yet will want Barcola’s first league start since his move to settle the contest before Gakpo or Mac Allister are required.
The pre-match model gives Liverpool a 66% chance of victory, compared with 21% for a draw and 13% for a Fulham win. The full match outlook is available in the Liverpool vs Fulham predictions.