Liverpool Face Monaco: Key Battles, Bold Predictions, and Expected Lineups Revealed

Andoni Iraola takes charge of his first home fixture as Liverpool boss when Monaco arrive at Anfield for a preseason friendly this Sunday.

The Reds have already featured in three matches under their new head coach, claiming wins against Sunderland and Wrexham before suffering a painful 4–2 defeat to Leeds United in the final game of their preseason tour across the United States. Despite holding a two-goal advantage at the break, a disastrous second-half performance handed Iraola his first loss in charge.

Back on familiar ground, Liverpool will be keen to deliver a strong response to last week's setback, and Iraola will be looking for his squad to demonstrate high energy and attacking intent to quickly win the hearts of the Anfield crowd.

Monaco claimed victory in their most recent warm-up game, with Paris Brunner converting a penalty to seal a 1–0 triumph over Getafe. It was Filipe Luís's second win as head coach of the Ligue 1 club, who opened their preseason with a 5–2 victory over AS Saint-Priest before falling to Sporting CP and drawing with Cercle Brugge.

Liverpool vs. Monaco Score Prediction

Yet Another High-Scoring Affair for Reds

Liverpool have been entertaining to watch under Iraola so far. There are already indications that his high-pressing, attack-minded philosophy can reinvigorate a side that lost its way under Arne Slot.

That said, while Liverpool have looked lively in attack, their defensive showings have left a lot to be desired. An improvised and inexperienced back line is crying out for reinforcements and has been exposed far too frequently this summer, with the midfield providing minimal cover.

Another open and action-packed contest is anticipated on Merseyside, with Monaco well equipped to pose problems for Iraola's backline.

Liverpool will be motivated to impress in front of their home fans and should find the Monaco net more than once, but they simply cannot be relied upon to shut out their opponents at the other end.

Prediction: Liverpool 2–2 Monaco

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Monaco

Ongoing injuries to Wataru Endō, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajčetić and Hugo Ekitiké leave Iraola stretched in several areas, while Joe Gomez is also unavailable after picking up a knock during the win over Sunderland.

Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo have all returned to training at Liverpool following their post-World Cup rest periods, while new arrival Victor Muñoz has now linked up with his new colleagues. All four could feature in some form against Monaco.

Alexis Mac Allister remains absent, however, having gone all the way to the World Cup final with Argentina.

Jérémy Jacquet could make his unofficial Liverpool bow after being given a rest during the U.S. tour, while academy talents including Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Luke Chambers, Lewis Koumas and the eye-catching Trey Nyoni may earn further playing time.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Leeds (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Ndukwe, Chambers, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Nyoni; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Koumas; Isak.

Monaco Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool

Monaco enter the match without Liverpool transfer target Maghnes Akliouche, who has now officially completed his move to Paris Saint-Germain—a deal that could pave the way for the Reds to pursue Bradley Barcola and/or Ibrahim Mbaye from the European champions.

There will be no reunion with Takumi Minamino, who remains sidelined with an ACL injury, while former Southampton centre-back Mohammed Salisu is also out with the same problem.

Summer additions Mathys Detourbet, Sadibou Sané, Flávio Nazinho and Matthis Abline could all be handed another opportunity to impress.

Monaco Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Hrádecky; Vanderson, Sané, Dier, Nazinho; Camara, Cabral; Abline, Golovin, Detourbet; Biereth.

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