Liverpool's Bizarre Double-Header: How One Team Faces the Reds Twice in 24 Hours

The big-spending Liverpool have returned to Merseyside for the concluding phase of their pre-season campaign, with a revamped Reds team preparing to defend their Premier League crown in 2025–26.

Arne Slot's team wrapped up their Asian tour with an impressive 3–1 triumph against Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos, where Florian Wirtz netted his maiden goal for the team and Hugo Ekitiké made his first appearance.

Despite receiving significant acclaim for their transfer activity, there have been some tactical shortcomings on the field during the summer, which Slot will be eager to address before the campaign begins.

Liverpool will naturally participate in the traditional season opener against FA Cup champions Crystal Palace in the Community Shield, but there's another chance for Slot's team to fine-tune their preparations as they meet La Liga side Athletic Club in an extensive pre-season encounter on Monday.

Why Liverpool are Facing Athletic Club in Pre-Season Double-Header

Liverpool will clash with the Europa League semi-finalists in a twin fixture format, with both games at Anfield starting at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. BST. Each match will run for the full 90 minutes.

Twin fixtures are typically reserved for end-of-season amateur football, as grassroots leagues try to squeeze in as many games as possible during spring after unavoidable winter cancellations.

Therefore, Liverpool's scheduled friendlies against Athletic represent an unusual occurrence, even during pre-season.

This format enables both coaches to make extensive changes, with Slot and Ernesto Valverde potentially fielding completely different lineups for each game. We witnessed Thomas Frank divide his Tottenham Hotspur roster when they contested two friendlies on the same day against Wycombe Wanderers and Luton Town.

Although both teams have had comprehensive summer programs, Monday's double fixture will provide an excellent opportunity to give more players game time and intelligently manage key players' fitness levels. Additionally, Liverpool will showcase their attractive new home strip for the first time.

The Reds meet Palace at Wembley six days afterward, while Athletic Club face Arsenal in the Emirates Cup next Saturday. Their La Liga season starts the subsequent weekend at home against Sevilla, with Liverpool beginning the new Premier League campaign against Bournemouth on Friday, August 15.