Liverpool predicted XI vs Crystal Palace: Iraola to ring changes with Gravenberch a key doubt

Liverpool will be hoping to bounce back from consecutive defeats when they take on Pierre Sage’s struggling Crystal Palace side this weekend – but Andoni Iraola’s task could be complicated by selection headaches.

Ryan Gravenberch has been added to the injury list and remains a doubt for Sunday’s game after missing the midweek trip to Istanbul, and he could be one of five first-team players who end up being unavailable.

With kick-off fast approaching and changes likely after the disappointing Champions League defeat to Fenerbahçe, we’ve collected all of the latest Liverpool team news below along with our prediction for Iraola’s likely starting line-up.

Will Ryan Gravenberch return against Crystal Palace?

Midfielder Gravenberch didn’t travel to Turkey after suffering a minor fracture in his heel, and may yet be unable to make the journey down to Selhurst Park on Sunday as a result. Speaking to the media ahead of Wednesday’s 3-2 loss to Fenerbahçe, Iraola described the issue as a “day-to-day thing” and it is unclear whether the Dutchman has been involved in first-team training since.

“It’s about the pain. He has been with some discomfort,” Iraola explained on Wednesday. “The other day against Arsenal he was warming up and he was not fully confident. He hasn’t improved since then. But it’s going to be something that every day we ask him, every day we see how he is. If he can be available for the weekend, lovely. He would be a very good help for us. But I cannot tell you right now.”

Even if Gravenberch does miss out, Iraola will still face a difficult decision in midfield. With Dominik Szoboszlai fit again and expected to start, the Liverpool head coach will have to decide which of Florian Wirtz, Alexis Mac Allister and the in-form Trey Nyoni misses out against Crystal Palace.

Four out for Liverpool this weekend as injury issues linger

While Gravenberch still stands a chance of being involved in some capacity this weekend, four players will certainly miss out for Liverpool, including full-back Jeremie Frimpong.

Iraola had previously told the media that the Frimpong was unlikely to be back in action this side of the impending international break, and no reports have suggested an early return to action. Frimpong could return in time for the match against Manchester United on 22 November.

That game at Anfield is likely to come too soon for Conor Bradley, but the Northern Irishman could return to full training over the course of the international break as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury sustained in January. Two other long-term absentees, Hugo Ekitiké (calf) and Giovanni Leoni (ACL) are currently believed to be targeting a return to team training in December, although no target dates have been set for either player as yet.

Iraola should otherwise have a clean bill of health heading into the match against Crystal Palace, but is likely to make several changes after Wednesday’s defeat. Ronald Araújo, Miloš Kerkez, Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak are all likely to be restored to the starting line-up after starting the Fenerbahçe match on the bench.

Liverpool predicted XI vs. Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Kerkez, Van Dijk, Jacquet, Araújo; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Barcola, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.