Liverpool are set to conclude their pre-season preparations with a highly unusual fixture format: a “double-header” against Spanish side Athletic Club at Anfield this Monday. The Reds will play two separate, full 90-minute matches against the same opponent on the same day.
The first match is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. BST, with the second fixture following just a few hours later at 8 p.m. BST. Fans in attendance at Anfield will also get the first opportunity to see the team play in their brand new home kit for the 2025–26 season.
But why are the Reds playing the same team twice? The reason is a strategic one, designed to optimize the squad’s preparation for the new season.
While rare in professional football, this double-header format is a clever decision by manager Arne Slot to smartly manage his squad’s fitness and workload just before the competitive action begins.
The primary benefit is that it allows the manager to give a full 90 minutes of match action to a much larger group of players than a single friendly would permit. Slot can effectively field two completely different starting XIs for each game, ensuring that a wide range of players get crucial minutes.
This approach ensures that key stars are not overworked just six days before the important FA Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace, while simultaneously providing vital match fitness to new signings, fringe players, and youngsters who need to get up to speed.
In essence, while it may seem strange, Liverpool’s double-header is a smart piece of pre-season planning. It is designed to get the maximum number of players fully prepared for the demanding campaign ahead while carefully managing the physical load on the team’s most important assets.