Liverpool Set to Unleash Wirtz and Salah Against Milan as Ekitike Eyes Dream Debut
Liverpool encounter their third and most challenging pre-season fixture on Saturday as they meet 2005 and 2007 Champions League final opponents AC Milan in Hong Kong.
The Reds have comfortably dispatched Preston North End and Stoke City thus far while continuing their preparations for defending their Premier League crown. This forthcoming clash provides the Reds with additional valuable match experience before the genuine competition commences.
Liverpool have traveled to Asia with a 29-player squad for their pair of friendlies, with most of those making the trip being first-team candidates, though Arne Slot has incorporated some of the club's promising academy talents.
Here's how Liverpool might set up on Saturday.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Milan (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alisson—Alisson might receive his inaugural pre-season minutes, with the Brazilian facing additional scrutiny this summer after Giorgi Mamardashvili's arrival. The Georgian appeared in both victories against Preston and Stoke.
RB: Conor Bradley—Bradley faces increased competition for 2025–26 following Jeremie Frimpong's acquisition. He'll be keen to demonstrate his exceptional ability and vast potential throughout pre-season.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Resolving Konaté's contractual status will be crucial for Liverpool, and securing the Frenchman to fresh terms this summer would represent a significant boost.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—Jarell Quansah's exit leaves Liverpool thin at center-back, but concerns are minimal with Van Dijk still performing. The Dutch captain can single-handedly anchor the defense.
LB: Milos Kerkez—Kerkez will be motivated to impress his new boss during pre-season as he competes with Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas for playing time next season.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch—Gravenberch emerged as the standout performer of the 2024–25 Premier League campaign, evolving into an outstanding defensive midfielder. He's completely resolved Liverpool's No.6 worries.
DM: Curtis Jones—Liverpool will exercise caution with Alexis Mac Allister's comeback following his late-season injury, with Jones possibly getting another start on Saturday.
RW: Mohamed Salah—Salah delivered a remarkable 2024–25 season, breaking numerous records for the Reds. It would take courage to wager against more milestones falling next campaign.
AM: Florian Wirtz—Wirtz made his unofficial Liverpool bow in the demolition of Stoke and will aim for an impressive second performance in his first appearance before fans. Liverpool supporters will be eager to witness the £116 million acquisition.
LW: Cody Gakpo—With Luis Díaz's future in doubt, Slot may be inclined to give Gakpo substantial pre-season minutes to ensure peak fitness for the new season should the Colombian depart.
ST: Darwin Núñez—Hugo Ekitiké could certainly debut against Milan after his recent £79 million transfer, though the in-form Núñez may get the nod. The Uruguayan has netted four times in pre-season, including a 14-minute treble versus Stoke.