Liverpool’s first defeat of the season arrived with enough force to demand a response, but not much time has been provided for brooding over it. Wednesday’s trip to LASK begins a six-day Champions League stretch that ends with Villarreal under the Anfield lights.
Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City changed after Ryan Gravenberch’s dismissal, with all three goals arriving during the final half-hour. It was an uncomfortable afternoon, although the Reds now move into a competition where they already have three points following September’s 2-1 win over Atlético Madrid.
LASK Offers an Immediate Test of Liverpool’s Depth
The early kick-off in Austria on 14 October comes at an awkward moment for Andoni Iraola. Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo missed the City game with thigh and ankle problems respectively, while Dominik Szoboszlai was unavailable with a hamstring complaint. Their availability will be watched closely before the travelling squad is confirmed.
Liverpool should still expect to control plenty of possession against LASK, who lost their opening league-phase fixture 1-0 to AEK Athens. The question everyone’s hanging onto concerns what happens around the penalty area. Liverpool failed to score against City, so Iraola needs sharper movement and more conviction from whichever front line he selects.
There is also a discipline point worth carrying from Sunday. Gravenberch’s domestic suspension doesn’t apply in Europe, but Liverpool can’t afford to let another finely balanced match become needlessly complicated.
Villarreal Will Provide the Clearer Measure
The return to Anfield on 20 October should offer a better indication of Liverpool’s European level. Villarreal face Napoli on Tuesday before travelling to Anfield and possess enough technical quality to punish loose pressing or hurried build-up play.
Liverpool’s opening win over Atlético keeps their early outlook positive, although the City defeat, current attacking injuries and two matches in six days give the market several immediate variables to weigh.
Supporters checking the Champions League odds will find Liverpool judged alongside Europe’s established contenders, but the next two fixtures should tell us far more than an early market snapshot. Six points would strengthen their route towards the top eight; anything less would add pressure before November’s difficult visit to Fenerbahçe.
For now, the task is fairly uncomplicated: recover, make sensible decisions on the injured attackers and produce a controlled performance in Austria. There’s no need for Liverpool to answer every question left by the City defeat on Wednesday evening; however, they do need to make sure those questions aren’t still around when Villarreal arrives.