---
title: "Liverpool’s confirmed starting XI for Villarreal clash as Andoni Iraola rings in the changes"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/liverpools-confirmed-starting-xi-for-villarreal-clash-as-andoni-iraola-rings-in-the-changes/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Vishal Subramanian"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2026-10-20T17:56:23Z"
modified: "2026-10-20T17:56:24Z"
---

# Liverpool’s confirmed starting XI for Villarreal clash as Andoni Iraola rings in the changes

**Andoni Iraola has made a raft of changes as Liverpool prepare to host Villarreal in a UEFA Champions League group phase clash at Anfield.**

With games coming thick and fast, the Spaniard has opted to go for fresh legs as the Reds continue to deal with their fair share of injury concerns.

Victor Munoz didn’t train ahead of the game and has been left out of the matchday squad with a suspected injury, while Dom Szoboszlai also misses out as expected.

In defence, Kostas Tsimikas comes into the team in place of Milos Kerkez. As expected, Ryan Gravenberch gets a start alongside Alexis Mac Allister, but it is Trey Nyoni in the No.10 role for Liverpool today over Florian Wirtz.

> Your Reds to take on Villarreal in the [#UCL](https://x.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)! 🔴💫 [pic.twitter.com/tlQNFZVMBv](https://t.co/tlQNFZVMBv)
>
> — Liverpool FC (@LFC) [October 20, 2026](https://x.com/LFC/status/2112601028776636692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Cody Gakpo returns to the team in attack and is joined by Rio Ngumoha and Lewis Koumas in attack, with Bradley Barcola and Alexander Isak dropping to the bench.

There is also a place on the bench for academy midfielder Michael Laffey, while Jayden Danns is also part of the matchday squad.

Liverpool will look to maintain their perfect record in the UEFA Champions League this season but have made a lot of changes to their squad.

That said, they have a lot of big hitters on the bench, so they can be called upon in the second half if they are chasing the game.