Liverpool Set to Unleash Ekitike in Debut as Wirtz Spearheads Attack Against Yokohama FM
Liverpool's pre-season campaign concludes with Wednesday's match against Yokohama F. Marinos, where Arne Slot will be eager to secure a win in Japan following their 4–2 loss to Milan.
The Reds' traveling squad has faced injury setbacks but gained new additions, with Florian Wirtz earning his debut start for the team in Saturday's defeat. Liverpool fans are now anticipating Hugo Ekitiké's maiden appearance in the club's colors.
Luis Díaz has departed for Europe to complete his transfer to Bayern Munich, while Joe Gomez has headed back to Merseyside due to an Achilles problem. Nevertheless, Slot has announced the return of several key players who missed the Milan encounter for Wednesday's fixture.
Here's Liverpool's potential starting eleven against the struggling J1 League side.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Yokohama FM (4-2-3-1)
GK: Freddie Woodman—Woodman appears destined to serve as Liverpool's backup goalkeeper this campaign, and Wednesday's match presents an ideal chance for playing time after remaining unused against Milan. Alisson departed the tour early for personal reasons.
RB: Conor Bradley—The Northern Ireland international will play a crucial part in covering for Trent Alexander-Arnold's absence, despite Jeremie Frimpong's signing, with the Dutch player potentially deployed in advanced positions.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Liverpool will need to address the tall defender's contract situation soon, as Konaté enters his final contract year amid speculation linking him to Real Madrid.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—Van Dijk struggled against Milan, particularly when dealing with Rafael Leão's attacking threat. He'll gain from having his regular defensive partner beside him in this match.
LB: Milos Kerkez—Liverpool's busy transfer window means Kerkez's signing may be overlooked, but the full-back is expected to make an immediate impression.
CM: Wataru Endo—Following his absence from the Milan game due to sickness, Endo is ready to feature on home soil Wednesday. Slot has verified that the adaptable midfielder has recovered and is available.
CM: Curtis Jones—The midfield was reorganized against the Italian side, with Jones, who played a crucial but understated role in Liverpool's championship run last term, coming off the substitutes' bench. The English player will aim to take advantage of Alexis Mac Allister's current unavailability.
RW: Ben Doak—The young Scottish talent was a highlight of Liverpool's pre-season preparations two years back, but hasn't featured prominently since Slot's appointment. However, the quick winger might get the starting role on the right flank.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai—Following his deeper midfield position in the previous match, Szoboszlai could return to the attacking role he excelled in for most of last season.
LW: Cody Gakpo—Gakpo found the net alongside Szoboszlai against Milan, and is expected to start Wednesday's encounter. Hugo Ekitiké may also receive playing time on the left wing.
ST: Florian Wirtz—Ekitiké will make his bow in Yokohama, as Slot has verified, though Liverpool also have Darwin Núñez back in contention. The Dutch manager has numerous attacking choices, with Wirtz showing promise as Liverpool's false nine in Hong Kong.