Liverpool Clash with AC Milan: Epic Friendly Showdown - Team Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Liverpool advance their pre-season preparations by facing AC Milan in the opening fixture of their Asian tour this Saturday.

The Reds have already defeated Championship teams with commanding 3–1 and 5–0 wins against Preston North End and Stoke City respectively, but now encounter significantly tougher opposition in the upcoming weeks. A recreation of the 2005 and 2007 Champions League finals will present a considerably more demanding test for Liverpool, who have emerged victorious in their previous three encounters with the Italian club.

Arne Slot's squad will also meet Yokohama F. Marinos in their second pre-season fixture in Asia, before heading back to Anfield for dual encounters with Athletic Club on Monday, August 4. The Reds will subsequently compete in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace before launching their Premier League season at home versus Bournemouth on Friday, August 15.

Milan approach Saturday's encounter having already suffered defeat to English competition this summer. Arsenal overcame Massimiliano Allegri in his dugout return on Wednesday, with Bukayo Saka's lone strike defeating the Rossoneri. Milan will face additional Premier League opponents before the Serie A campaign begins, with matches against Leeds United and Chelsea arranged.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview to this preseason encounter in Hong Kong.

What Time Does Liverpool vs. Milan Kick-Off?

Liverpool vs. Milan Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch Liverpool vs. Milan on TV, Live Stream

Liverpool Team News

Liverpool have already provided unofficial debuts to numerous summer acquisitions in clashes with Preston and Stoke, with Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Giorgi Mamardashvili—who actually committed to joining the Reds last summer—all making their initial appearances. They are all expected to receive additional playing time against Milan.

Hugo Ekitiké could be set for his Liverpool debut following his £79 million ($107 million) transfer confirmation on Wednesday evening, with the French forward having traveled to Hong Kong to unite with his new teammates.

Federico Chiesa will not feature against the Italian side after being excluded from the traveling squad due to a minor injury.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Milan

Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Milan (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Núñez.

Milan Team News

The shortage of depth in Milan's roster was evident during the recent loss to the Gunners but Allegri should be capable of fielding a strong starting eleven, one that's expected to feature former Chelsea players Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic.

Rafael Leão will be the player Liverpool's defense must monitor closely having displayed flashes of his ability against Arsenal, while Allegri might rely on young backup goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani following his heroics against the Gunners that included three penalty saves in a post-match shootout.

Milan Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool

Milan predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (3-5-2): Torriani; Tomori, Thiaw, Pavlović; Chukwueze, Loftus-Cheek, Ricci, Bondo, Bartesaghi; Pulisic, Leão.

Liverpool vs. Milan Score Prediction

Milan provided minimal threat in their loss to Arsenal previously and their depleted squad lacks the equivalent quality and depth of Liverpool's roster. They seldom troubled David Raya on Wednesday and are unlikely to pose significant problems for Alisson or any of the Reds' other keepers.

Liverpool have appeared sharp in pre-season so far and should maintain their impressive offensive displays against Milan's defensive setup. Additional playing time for new signings will be appreciated by Slot, who will anticipate victory on Saturday.

Prediction: Liverpool 2–0 Milan