Liverpool’s predicted Anfield XI vs Monaco as fans hope for first sighting of Victor Munoz

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Andoni Iraola will take charge of his first ever match at Anfield on Sunday, with Liverpool welcoming Monaco to Merseyside.The new Reds’ head coach was given some much-needed reinforcements upon the squad’s return from tour in the USA, with several more first-team players joining training.That could lead to a strong XI against Monaco, with fans hoping to see big names such as Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker back in the squad. New signing Victor Munoz has confirmed that he is fit and ready to play as well, giving Iraola some decisions to make in his line-up.

Here’s how we think he’ll send Liverpool out for the first time on home turf. The Brazilian may only play 45 minutes, but he should start.So too should Van Dijk, who will no doubt welcome news of Ronald Araujo’s imminent arrival in a bid to give him some more rest this season.It will be fascinating to see who starts alongside the captain at centre-back.

Jeremy Jacquet still appears to be out, which is likely to mean Ifeanyi Ndukwe continues, with the 18-year-old given a first taste of Anfield.Jeremie Frimpong has a chance to cement himself as Liverpool’s starting right-back until Conor Bradley returns in October, and he will likely start here, while it will be a toss-up between Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas. Kerkez is probably the more likely to get the nod.READ MORE: How much Liverpool have agreed they will pay to sign Ronald Araujo permanently at the end of his loanMidfieldMidfield is the one area where Iraola has not had reinforcements come in since Liverpool’s return home, with Alexis Mac Allister due back in training on Monday.Nevertheless, he does have plenty of options anyway, and his biggest question is likely to come in regards to Trey Nyoni.Nyoni has been a standout in pre-season so far, but it could be that Iraola prefers to go with the more established duo of Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch in the middle of the midfield.While Gravenberch needs the minutes and should start, though, Jones has looked miles off it in pre-season, and as talks over a move to Inter Milan continue, Nyoni should be picked ahead of him.Florian Wirtz was good in his comeback against Leeds United last week, and the German will hope to kick off his second season at Anfield with another positive performance in attacking midfield.Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI / AFP via Getty ImagesAttackLiverpool’s attack is where the most changes could still occur ahead of the season’s kick-off, but as things stand, Iraola does not have either Bradley Barcola or fellow target Ibrahim Mbaye to call upon.Thankfully, he does have Munoz, who certainly needs the minutes to get to grips with his new teammates.He should get some on Sunday, but it would perhaps be a surprise to see him start, with Cody Gakpo more likely to be on the teamsheet on the left wing.Rio Ngumoha will probably replace Kieran Morrison on the right, while Liverpool fans will be desperate to see Alexander Isak build on a promising 45 minutes against Leeds.Munoz will likely come off the bench at some stage, but the slight lack of depth here again shows why signings like Barcola and Mbaye are still needed.Liverpool’s predicted XI vs MonacoJoin Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox