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Andoni Iraola faces Florian Wirtz dilemma as Liverpool could make 4 changes at Brentford

Andoni Iraola has a few dilemmas to solve as Liverpool heads to Brentford, with Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz impressing in the Champions League, but now facing a new challenge

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.

Scoring six goals against LASK midweek should be a confidence boost for Liverpool heading into the weekend's trip to Brentford — but Andoni Iraola is under no illusions.

The Spaniard admitted that taking on the West London outfit in the Premier League will be a very different challenge. Quite simply, LASK gave Liverpool the kind of time and space to work in that it won't get in any domestic fixture this term.

Brentford's physical nature and direct style will mean that Liverpool has some more familiar questions to answer, with it no surprise that the likes of Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz have come to life in Europe where the games are easier.

Repeating the performance of Wirtz, in particular, against a team that doesn't play to his strengths is one major dilemma, even if he and Barcola should have got a boost.

And assuming that the injured trio of Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai miss out — with Ryan Gravenberch suspended too — Iraola's options to change things up are limited.

Having had a rest midweek, though, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister are certainties to come back in. Ronald Araujo, presumably, will be deployed at right-back.

Florian Wirtz of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between LASK and Liverpool FC
Florian Wirtz is still looking to show his best for Liverpool

Kostas Tsimikas played well enough in Linz, but Milos Kerkez is likely to return, and Victor Munoz could replace Rio Ngumoha on the wing.

Trey Nyoni could partner Mac Allister in midfield with a couple of other options missing, while Lewis Koumas is likely to have to go again down the center — though he has played a lot of minutes lately, he has not begun to look jaded yet.

With another Champions League clash coming up on Tuesday against Villarreal, Liverpool can play its more physical team at Brentford and then return to some changes in Europe.

In addition to that being the best route to victories, there is also more Champions League leeway given the six points from six collected to date.

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"(Brentford) have good players," Iraola told a press conference on Thursday. "They are well-coached. They have a clear idea that has been consistent for a number of seasons now.

"They are a squad that understands what they are trying to do. They are also good on the ball, physical and honest."

The Bees are also one of three Premier League sides yet to be beaten in the top flight this season, and have a strong home record, beating Liverpool 3-2 last year.

If the Reds are to continue building some momentum, however, then battling to another three points here would be huge.

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