Liverpool has an important run of fixtures coming up in the Premier League, but Andoni Iraola could be missing some key players with several now at risk of a ban

Andoni Iraola has already had to navigate some tricky challenges in the first few months of his time at Liverpool, but more could be on the way with several stars now at risk of a suspension.

The Reds sit fourth in the Premier League table with 18 points from the opening ten games, as the manager balances domestic competitions with the Champions League.

That has led to some bold decisions when it comes to rotating the team, with some of those paying off and others going against him, the latter of which saw the head coach come under fire for his changes against Fenerbahce last week. That rotation has been particularly important when considering the lack of squad depth in some positions, with injuries still hanging over the team in some areas.

While there may be a feeling that Iraola has largely dealt with the concerns that have been thrown his way so far, the threat of suspensions in the Premier League could force his hand once again.

There are five stars at risk of a ban in the league, with the rules stating that five yellow cards will result in a one-match ban in the first half of the season.

Alexis Mac Allister is the player most at risk, with the midfielder now on his fourth caution of the campaign. The Argentinian international has been an impressive presence in the middle of the park, so losing him to one more booking would be an immediate blow.

Should that booking come in the next match against Man United, then it means he would miss out on the Merseyside Derby against Everton the following week.

The challenge for Iraola is in finding a balance for a player like Mac Allister, who the manager will want to see playing at his energetic and intense best. That comes with the natural risk of a yellow card, so restrict him too much and the star may not be as effective, but without having that in mind, he could pick up a careless caution and serve a suspension during an important match.

While the midfielder is the player at most risk of a suspension, there are four other teammates who are also within reach of a ban on three bookings.

Those players are Ronald Araujo, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, and Bradley Barcola. For the prior trio, some poor timing on cautions for them could essentially wipe out almost all of Iraola's defensive backline that has started this season, providing some concerns.

Fortunately, barring injuries or a red card, they should all be available for matches against Manchester United and Everton, which will be key. However, those are the types of matches that can get heated and lead to bookings that may result in suspensions, so some caution must be taken.

As for Barcola, he is continuing to settle, so any lost time on the pitch may just set that process back a little, as he looks to make a positive mark on the team.

There are still nine games until that threshold for a ban increases to ten yellow cards, meaning there is a long time for some of those Liverpool stars to walk a suspension tightrope.