Liverpool Clash with Athletic Club: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed for Blockbuster Preseason Showdown
Liverpool will take on Athletic Club in a unique preseason double-header at Anfield this Monday, featuring two distinct matches against the Spanish Basque team.
The Reds secured wins against Championship opponents Preston North End and Stoke City before traveling to Asia for friendlies against Milan and Yokohama F. Marinos. After suffering a loss to the tactically astute Italians, they concluded their tour positively with a 3–1 comeback triumph over Japan's Yokohama F. Marinos.
Liverpool will welcome Athletic Club for two completely separate encounters on Merseyside, with Arne Slot planning to field two distinct starting elevens for the matches. Ernesto Valverde's squad will present challenging opposition despite dropping their previous three preseason friendlies, including a recent loss to second-division Racing Santander.
Here's Sports Illustrated's comprehensive guide to Liverpool's dual fixtures.
What Time Does Liverpool's First Match With Athletic Club Kick Of?
What Time Does Liverpool's Second Match With Athletic Club Kick Off?
Liverpool vs. Athletic Club Head-to-Head Record (All Time)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Liverpool | Athletic Club |
|---|---|
Yokohama F. Marinos 1–3 Liverpool - 30/07/25 | Racing Santander 2–1 Athletic Club - 30/07/25 |
Liverpool 2–4 Milan - 26/07/25 | PSV Eindhoven 2–1 Athletic Club - 26/07/25 |
Liverpool 5–0 Stoke - 20/07/25 | Alavés 1–0 Athletic Club - 22/07/25 |
Preston 1–3 Liverpool - 13/07/25 | Athletic Club 1–0 Ponferradina - 19/07/25 |
Liverpool 1–1 Crystal Palace - 25/05/25 | Athletic Club 0–3 Barcelona - 25/05/25 |
How to Watch Liverpool vs. Athletic Club on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United States | DAZN |
United Kingdom | All Red Video |
Canada | DAZN |
Liverpool Team News
Slot is anticipated to rotate his squads for the encounters with Athletic, though forecasting the precise starting lineups for each game proves nearly impossible.
The Dutch manager may be missing Federico Chiesa and Joe Gomez through injury concerns, while Alisson departed their Asian preseason campaign due to personal reasons and remains questionable. Tyler Morton is nearing a transfer to Lyon and might be kept out of action.
Hugo Ekitiké made his first appearance against Yokohama F. Marinos and is guaranteed additional playing time, while Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Giorgi Mamardashvili are among the other summer additions who will participate.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Athletic Club—Match 1
Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Athletic Club (4-2-3-1): Woodman; Bradley, Gravenberch, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Jones, Mac Allister; Salah, Elliott, Ngumoha; Ekitiké.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Athletic Club—Match 2
Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Athletic Club (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konaté, Tsimikas, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Endo; Doak, Wirtz, Gakpo; Núñez.
Athletic Club Team News
Valverde must manage without three of his four senior central defenders on Monday, as Aitor Paredes and Unai Egiluz both sustained injuries during preseason—the latter lasting merely 28 minutes against Racing Santander. Yeray Álvarez is temporarily suspended following a failed drug test.
Nico and Iñaki Williams represent the primary dangers Liverpool must monitor during their encounters with the Basque club, while Oihan Sancet also possesses the ability to trouble the Reds from attacking midfield.
Athletic Club Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool—Match 1
Athletic Club predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Padilla; Lekue, Vivian, Rego, Yuri; De Galarreta, Prados; I. Williams, Gómez, Berenguer; Sannadi.
Athletic Club Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool—Match 2
Athletic Club predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Simón; Gorosabel, De Marcos, De Luis, Boiro; Vesga, Jauregizar; Ares, Sancet, N. Williams; Guruzeta.
Liverpool vs. Athletic Club Score Predictions
Liverpool possess a significantly deeper and more talented squad than their La Liga opponents, who approach the fixture in disappointing form. That squad depth will prove vital given the unique nature of this double-header, with the Reds favored for both encounters.
Nevertheless, despite their inconsistent pre-season results, Athletic shouldn't be overlooked. While their defense has been severely weakened by injuries and suspensions, they possess some outstanding attacking weapons capable of creating problems for the Reds.
Even so, Liverpool are expected to inflict further disappointment on Athletic, potentially claiming victory in both contests.