With Liverpool's World Cup stars not involved yet, new boss Andoni Iraola has opted for long-serving defender Joe Gomez to skipper the side in Virgil van Dijk's absence, while Giorgi Mamardashvili starts in goal. Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott also get the nod despite doubts over both their futures at the club and the returning Kostas Tsimikas is selected at left back, with Jeremie Frimpong on the opposite side of the back four.

As for Sunderland, Dan Ballard and Romaine Mundle are fit to start in the centre of defence after their 2025/26 season was ended early through injury. And Wilson Isidor leads the line having shone for Haiti at this summer's World Cup.