Liverpool Set to Unleash New Signings Against Athletic Club in Crucial Double-Header Showdown
Liverpool are set to face Basque outfit Athletic Club in two separate fixtures at Anfield this Monday as they continue their pre-season build-up for the upcoming season.
The Merseyside club has secured three victories and suffered one defeat during their summer friendlies, with their only loss occurring in the opening match of their Asian expedition. AC Milan capitalized on some defensive errors through swift counter-attacks, though Liverpool bounced back with a commanding 3-1 triumph over Yokohama F. Marinos.
Arne Slot plans to field two different starting elevens for the encounters with Athletic, scheduled three hours apart. The majority of Liverpool's first-team players will receive substantial playing time upon their return to Merseyside, alongside opportunities for several promising academy prospects.
Below are the potential Liverpool lineups for the forthcoming friendly matches.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Athletic Club—Match 1
Liverpool may have to manage without Alisson on Monday following the Brazilian goalkeeper's early departure from Asia due to family matters. Should he remain unavailable for Athletic's arrival, new acquisition Freddie Woodman could receive his opportunity in one of the two encounters.
The Reds face defensive challenges following Joe Gomez's recent injury complications, with Ryan Gravenberch potentially stepping in once again alongside fellow Dutchman Virgil van Dijk. Fresh signing Milos Kerkez will experience his inaugural Anfield appearance as a Liverpool player, while Conor Bradley is expected to participate in one of the matches.
Alexis Mac Allister made his comeback from injury during the Marinos clash and could form a partnership with Curtis Jones in midfield, with Harvey Elliott also set for valuable minutes.
Mohamed Salah and teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha, aged 16, both shone against Marinos and will be keen to make their mark against Athletic, particularly the youngster as Liverpool may soon seek additional wing options. Hugo Ekitiké made his bow in Japan after his £79 million ($104.9 million) transfer and should see extended action at Anfield on Monday.
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
Irrespective of Alisson's status, Giorgi Mamardashvili will take his place between the posts for one of Monday's fixtures, while summer recruit Jeremie Frimpong will also experience the Anfield atmosphere. Ibrahima Konaté and Andy Robertson are guaranteed to feature in their natural positions, though Kostas Tsimikas may operate at center-back having been deployed there by Slot during pre-season.
Dominik Szoboszlai has been deployed in a more withdrawn position throughout Liverpool's pre-season matches, excelling in this role as Slot seeks to accommodate the Hungarian midfielder. His playing time will be influenced by Florian Wirtz's arrival, who netted his maiden Liverpool goal in the previous outing. Wataru Endo, who led the team as captain in his native Japan against Marinos, is also expected to participate.
Ben Doak could be given a chance on Liverpool's right flank as he attempts to impress Slot, while Cody Gakpo is certain to feature following Luis Díaz's recent departure to Bayern Munich. Darwin Núñez, who has found the net four times in pre-season, will start despite speculation surrounding a potential summer exit.