Liverpool continue their pre-season campaign by taking on their toughest test yet, facing Italian giants AC Milan in the first match of their Asian tour this Saturday.
The Reds have already recorded comfortable victories over Championship opposition, beating Preston North End 3-1 and Stoke City 5-0, but this clash represents a significant step up in quality for Arne Slot’s side.
The major news for fans is that blockbuster new signing Hugo Ekitike could be in line to make his unofficial debut. The French striker travelled to Hong Kong to join up with his new teammates after his £79 million transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt was confirmed earlier in the week.
Other new arrivals like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez are also expected to feature and get more minutes under their belts. However, Liverpool will be without winger Federico Chiesa, who was omitted from the travelling squad due to a minor injury.
AC Milan, meanwhile, come into this match on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday. Manager Massimiliano Allegri will be looking for an improved performance and will likely rely on key players such as Rafael Leão and the former Chelsea trio of Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Christian Pulisic.
Liverpool enter the match as clear favourites. They have looked sharp and clinical in their opening pre-season games, while Milan appeared to lack quality and depth against Arsenal. The Reds’ superior squad should give them the edge in this encounter.
Prediction: Liverpool 2–0 Milan