Liverpool Clash with Yokohama F. Marinos: High-Stakes Friendly Showdown - Team Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Liverpool's summer preparations carry on in Japan this Wednesday, as they face J1 League bottom-dwellers Yokohama F. Marinos.

The Premier League title holders have dominated summer headlines with their massive transfer spending spree, and the Merseyside club might still have more business to conduct as they look to significantly strengthen their roster ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.

Nevertheless, their Asian tour began with disappointment, as Massimiliano Allegri's AC Milan exploited counter-attacking opportunities against a depleted Liverpool backline in a 4–2 victory. The Reds had previously secured wins against Preston North End and Stoke City to start their summer.

Though outcomes matter little during this period, Arne Slot would welcome a return to form on Wednesday against relatively modest opposition. Yokohama have declined dramatically since capturing the J1 League crown in 2022, placing ninth last season and currently battling relegation.

With one-third of the campaign left, Yokohama, previously coached by Ange Postecoglou, occupy 18th position in Japan's premier division.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of this preseason encounter in Japan.

What Time Does Yokohama F. Marinos vs. Liverpool Kick-Off?

Yokohama F. Marinos vs. Liverpool Head-to-Head Record

This marks the inaugural competitive fixture between Yokohama F. Marinos and Liverpool.

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch Yokohama F. Marinos vs. Liverpool on TV, Live Stream

Yokohama F. Marinos Team News

Yokohama have discovered momentum recently, though they may be missing several players who've been crucial during their latest resurgence.

Forward Kaina Tanimura and Ren Katõ both sustained injuries in their triumph over Nagoya previously, with Tanimura netting the opener on his league debut for the side.

The Yokohama roster lacks recognizable names, though ex-Arsenal winger Ryo Miyaichi stands among the players who might feature for the home team on Wednesday.

Yokohama F. Marinos Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool

Yokohama FM predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Park; Katō, Botina, Deng, Suzuki; Yamane, Aziangbe; Yan, Inoue, Elber; Tanimura.

Liverpool Team News

Liverpool's central defensive options have been further weakened by Joe Gomez's Achilles problem, forcing his return to Merseyside. Nevertheless, Slot maintained that the defender's concern is merely minor.

Alisson has also departed the Reds' tour prematurely due to personal reasons.

Darwin Núñez and Wataru Endo might both feature on Wednesday after being absent against Milan through injury and sickness, respectively, while summer acquisition Hugo Ekitiké is anticipated to make his club debut. Record signing Florian Wirtz operated as a false nine previously, and may adopt that position again in Yokohama.

Federico Chiesa didn't travel with the squad, and questions remain about Alexis Mac Allister's condition. "I'm uncertain if he'll get playing time in the match," Slot commented on the midfielder following the Milan loss, though there's optimism he'll train Monday and Tuesday.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Yokohama F. Marinos

Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Yokohama FM (4-2-3-1): Woodman; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Endo, Jones; Doak, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Wirtz.

Yokohama F. Marinos vs. Liverpool Score Prediction

Liverpool struggled defensively in transition previously, as their shortage of defensive depth became evident.

However, they should encounter fewer problems here against a side that, despite recent improvement, has struggled throughout 2025. Slot will continue rotating his squad and providing minutes to all traveling players again on Wednesday, but their tour should end with success.

Fans will hope both Wirtz and Ekitiké come alive.

Prediction: Yokohama F. Marinos 1–3 Liverpool