Liverpool Friendlies vs Athletic Club Offer Final Tune-Up Before Season Kick-Off

Double shift for Reds at Anfield

There are few better ways to prepare for the season than with two friendlies in one night. Liverpool host Athletic Club twice this evening, in back-to-back fixtures at Anfield, giving Arne Slot a final look at his squad before next weekend’s Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace.

The timing, on the eve of a competitive campaign, is no accident. Slot is using these games to fine-tune shape, chemistry and sharpness across the squad. But even with a full house expected, one notable absentee looms large.

Alisson, still away in Brazil due to “private reasons,” is not expected to feature. The goalkeeper also missed the win over Yokohama Marinos. In his absence, all eyes turn to those deputising between the posts.

Selection mix expected

Federico Chiesa could return after a muscular issue saw him sit out the Asia tour, while Joe Gomez remains sidelined with an Achilles problem sustained in training.

Conor Bradley looks to have locked down the right-back slot, starting in the win over Yokohama alongside Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Milos Kerkez in what appears Slot’s preferred defensive quartet.

Midfield choices will be watched closely. Alexis Mac Allister returned against Yokohama following a minor fitness concern. Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch will all be vying for rhythm and minutes.

Youngsters and new signings in focus

Pre-season standout Rio Ngumoha, along with Trey Nyoni, is likely to see more action. The pair have impressed, and tonight offers another platform to test themselves against high-level opposition.

Up front, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz are all expected to start at some point across the two games. Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott’s roles remain uncertain amid ongoing transfer whispers.

Predicted XIs for double-header

Game One: Woodman, Frimpong, Endo, Tsimikas, Robertson, Jones, Gravenberch, Ngumoha, Elliott, Nunez, Ngumoha

Game Two: Mamardashvili, Bradley, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike

Kick-off times: 5pm and 8pm BST, Monday 4 August 2025
Venue: Anfield