Liverpool’s pre-season predicted XI vs Leeds as Andoni Iraola takes a look at exciting duo
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Liverpool see out their tour of America this Sunday with a 9pm kick-off against Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago.The Reds have a 100% win rate during their visit so far, beating Sunderland 4-2 and winning 1-0 against Wrexham.Fans had been hoping to see Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak against the Championship side, but Andoni Iraola chose to give them some extra rest instead. Pick Liverpool’s new front three with Bradley Barcola in it 👇 Who joins the Frenchman in Andoni Iraola's best attack?
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Sarah Stier/FIFA DefenceThe third game of pre-season is generally when managers begin to really get to grips with their best XI and begin giving players longer run outs.Clearly, Giorgi Mamardashvili is not expected to be part of Liverpool‘s regular line-up under Iraola, but after playing for more than an hour against Wrexham, he may get the full 90 minutes in Chicago.Iraola is fairly stretched on options in front of him, although if he is to go with his best possible XI, then Jeremie Frimpong should start at right-back.Centre-back is much more tricky. On the back of that, we think he’ll sit out again.READ MORE: Liverpool vs Leeds United LIVE | 2026/27 Pre-seasonThat will leave Iraola to pick from Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Luke Chambers, who filled in well against Wrexham.
10 role, and fans will be hopeful of seeing the German reborn in a new system under Iraola.Photo by Becky Oliver – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesAttackLike Wirtz and Gravenberch, Isak should get his start against Leeds. He needs minutes and could still prove valuable to Liverpool this season.Meanwhile, Rio Ngumoha popped up on the right to score the only goal of the game against Wrexham, and after Iraola demanded more versatility from all of his wingers, the youngster may be given another chance to get used to a right-sided role.Though there are still some obvious gaps that need plugging by more senior players, this is the closest thing to a proper starting XI we will have seen from Iraola, and fans will be desperate to see it work out against a team who Liverpool failed to beat in the Premier League last season.Liverpool’s Predicted XI vs LeedsJoin Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox