Liverpool will conclude their pre-season schedule on Monday with a unique double-header against Spanish side Athletic Club at Anfield. Manager Arne Slot will use the two separate 90-minute matches to give his entire squad a final run-out before the competitive season begins with the FA Community Shield.
The two clubs enter these fixtures in contrasting form. Liverpool are coming off a confidence-boosting 3-1 win over Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan, while Athletic Club are struggling, having lost their last three pre-season friendlies.
The Reds will be keen to give Anfield debuts to their host of new summer signings, including Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, and Jeremie Frimpong. However, the squad may be without goalkeeper Alisson due to personal reasons, while Joe Gomez remains an injury concern.
The visitors are facing a defensive crisis of their own. They are expected to be without three of their four senior centre-backs due to a combination of injuries and a suspension. Their main threat will therefore come from their talented attacking players, like the Williams brothers, Nico and Iñaki.
Score Predictions
Given the contrasting form and Athletic’s severe defensive issues, Liverpool enter both matches as strong favourites.
Match 1: Liverpool’s first lineup, likely a mix of youth and new signings led by striker Hugo Ekitike, should possess too much firepower for the visitors. While Athletic Club’s potent attack might find a way through a makeshift Reds defence, Liverpool’s quality up front should secure a comfortable win. Prediction (Match 1): Liverpool 2–1 Athletic Club
Match 2: The second match could see an even stronger and fresher Liverpool lineup, with players like Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konaté featuring. Against an opponent playing their second full game of the day, Liverpool’s superior depth and quality should lead to a more dominant and controlled victory. Prediction (Match 2): Liverpool 3–0 Athletic Club