Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has explained his decision to hand Trey Nyoni his first Premier League start against Arsenal

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has explained his decision to start teenager Trey Nyoni against Arsenal and insists the club trusts him to deliver.

The Reds take on the Premier League title holders at Anfield this afternoon in a bid to insert themselves into the title race. A victory against the Gunners would put Iraola's men within three points of the league leaders, while Arsenal could leapfrog Manchester City today with a win over Liverpool.

Iraola's team selection was largely as expected, although eyebrows were certainly raised when Nyoni's name was listed in the starting lineup. The 19-year-old has long been on the fringes of Liverpool's senior team but appears to be going from strength to strength this term.

Nyoni has made 10 appearances across all competitions so far this season. Six of those have come in the league, although today marks his first Premier League start, and it comes against a very tricky opponent.

Speaking ahead of the game at Anfield, Iraola outlined his decision to start Nyoni and emphasized the trust the club has in him. "The thinking is that he's playing very well and we trust him," the Reds boss told Sky Sports pre-match.

"I think he gives us good control on the ball. I think he also understands the game well.

"Without the ball, I think he's smart to deal with all the complications that Arsenal put there in the middle – they start rotating players. I think he's pretty good on those things. We definitely trust Trey to do well."

Nyoni starts in midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister, with Florian Wirtz operating slightly further forward. Ryan Gravenberch, who started midweek against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, is on the bench this afternoon.

Liverpool is also boosted by the timely return of Dominik Szoboszlai to the squad. The Hungary international has been nursing a thigh issue since the international break, and despite a brief comeback against Brentford last month, he seemingly aggravated the problem as he was forced off before halftime.

Now, he returns to the matchday squad and is a strong option for Iraola off the bench. Victor Munoz is also available for selection again, having been sidelined since the win at Brentford.

That said, today will be all about how Nyoni deals with the challenge of facing a title-winning midfield. He will be up against seasoned professionals in Bruno Guimaraes and Declan Rice.