Liverpool vs Athletic Club: Pre-Season Friendlies Provide Tactical Snapshot of What’s to Come

Final audition before competitive action

As Liverpool prepare to host Athletic Club in a double-header of friendlies at Anfield, the atmosphere feels less like pre-season and more like a dress rehearsal. These are not just warm-up matches. They are stress tests, tactical puzzles, a chance for Arne Slot to apply the finishing touches to a squad still taking shape.

Two games, spaced just three hours apart, will allow Slot to field two separate sides, granting playing time to both established names and emerging talents. It is, in many ways, an illustration of the demands that lie ahead. The margins for error are thin, and even in friendlies, rhythm and sharpness matter.

Signs of cohesion in mixed summer

Liverpool’s pre-season has not been flawless. A 4-2 defeat to AC Milan raised familiar defensive questions. Falling behind to Yokohama Marinos also suggested ongoing issues in early-game control. But there have been positive sparks.

New signing Florian Wirtz struck the equaliser against Yokohama, Hugo Ekitike made his debut, and Jeremie Frimpong registered an assist for Trey Nyoni’s go-ahead goal. The pieces are beginning to fit, albeit gradually. Slot, aware of the short bedding-in window, will view these games against Athletic Club as crucial calibration before the Community Shield.

Availability and squad rotation

Alisson’s absence for “personal reasons” continues, and Joe Gomez remains out with an Achilles injury. Alexis Mac Allister, previously nursing a knock, returned to feature against Yokohama. Expect further involvement from Rio Ngumoha and Nyoni, who have offered energy and clarity in midfield roles.

Athletic Club will present a robust challenge, even in pre-season mode. Ernesto Valverde’s team are compact, tactically structured, and capable of disrupting tempo. However, with Aitor Paredes and Unai Egiluz picking up injuries against Racing Santander, defensive frailties could open the door for Liverpool’s front line.

How to follow the action

Both friendlies take place at Anfield on Monday 4 August. The first kicks off at 5pm BST, followed by the second at 8pm BST. Fans can watch live on LFCTV, with coverage starting at 4pm BST. Streaming is also available via Liverpool’s official website for subscribers to the ‘All Red Video’ service, which includes a free trial option.

Liverpool will want more than just minutes in the legs. They will want control, clarity, and cohesion. Slot will be watching closely.