Andoni Iraola could hand Liverpool fans their first look at an exciting new partnership vs Atletico Madrid

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Liverpool begin another Champions League campaign on Wednesday in the knowledge that they almost did not make it this time.Much of the Reds’ focus last season was spent trying to ensure themselves of a spot at the top table of European football, and for plenty of the campaign it had looked as though it would not happen.Arne Slot ultimately managed to just about guide Liverpool there, though, and Andoni Iraola will hope that he can repay his predecessor with a good season in Europe. How does Liverpool’s new-look forward line compare against the best attacks in Europe?

We could see Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo together for the first time vs Atletico Madrid Photo Credit: Getty Images/Karl Bridgeman – UEFA To kick things off, the Reds start this year’s Champions League in the same way they began last year’s edition: with a home clash against Atletico Madrid.And with fans buoyed by Friday’s first Premier League win of the season against Ipswich, Iraola looks set to take things up a notch and hand Liverpool fans a first glimpse of their brand new, Bradley Barcola inspired attack.Barcola should start in new-look attack vs AtleticoBarcola looked bright when he came on for his Liverpool debut against Ipswich on Friday, and supporters are desperate to see more of the Frenchman.Iraola has claimed that Barcola is not yet fully fit, but did also suggest that he will play more in the upcoming matches, with Wednesday’s game a good chance to ease him in further.READ MORE: How Lucca Brughmans performed for Genk in first appearance since Liverpool signed him for £30mHaving won the Champions League in each of the past two seasons, Barcola knows the stage very well, and instead of throwing him in for Saturday’s game against Fulham, it may be a good idea to help him find his feet in a competition he already knows very well first.The 24-year-old looked sharp and ready to contribute against Ipswich, so there should be no further hesitation from Iraola. Barcola should start at Anfield.Wirtz, Isak and Gakpo should complete exciting attackThe excitement of seeing Barcola playing for Liverpool at Anfield is not just about what the former PSG man himself can do, though, it is also to do with how he links up with his new teammates.Barcola is an elite footballer, and having spent so much money over the past couple of years, Liverpool have a number of players on a similar level who he should enjoy playing alongside.The majority of those are in their attack, and though Liverpool fans had perhaps been hoping to see a new right winger brought in to complement Barcola, the form of Cody Gakpo now makes him part of that group.Gakpo has been linking up brilliantly with Alexander Isak at the start of this season, and that pair should join Barcola in a front line on Wednesday which should now be considered as Liverpool’s best.Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty ImagesWith Barcola on the left, Isak through the middle and an in-form Gakpo on the right, fans can look forward to the Atletico match with even more verve than usual.But Liverpool’s attack is no longer a three-man partnership.

There has been criticism of Florian Wirtz following his early season performances, but the German remains an elite player and if you throw him in with Barcola, Isak and Gakpo, the Reds look even more menacing for opposition defences.Iraola could hold off on Barcola or choose to rest any of the other three, but it is important that Liverpool start off with a home win in the Champions League.Wednesday gives him the first chance to unleash the attack fans have been dreaming of all summer, and he has to take it. Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox