Attacking Brilliance: The Reds have racked up 8 goals in just 3 preseason matches.

Defensive Concerns: They still haven't managed to keep a clean sheet, which raises some questions about their transition defense.

Hugo Ekitike is expected to step onto the Anfield pitch for the first time against Bilbao, and Florian Wirtz has already made an impact by scoring his first goal for Liverpool against Yokohama. Even with some defensive weaknesses, Liverpool is still a powerhouse at Anfield, boasting 14 wins from 19 home league games last season.

Under Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Bilbao are preparing for their first Champions League campaign since 2013-14. But preseason hasn’t been smooth sailing.

Three straight losses—defeats to Deportivo Alavés, PSV, and Racing Santander.

Solid Defense: They only let in 29 goals during La Liga 2024/25, which is the best record in the league.

Williams Brothers Threat: Nico and Iñaki Williams are incredibly fast and serve as Bilbao’s key players on the counterattack.

Bilbao will aim to rediscover their sharpness at Anfield, but facing a full-strength Liverpool will be their toughest test yet.

Alisson Becker is unavailable (personal reasons)—Giorgi Mamardashvili to deputize in goal.

Hugo Ekitike is set for his Anfield debut.

Florian Wirtz will feature as the key playmaker.

Alexis Mac Allister is fit enough for minutes.

Joe Gomez (Achilles injury) remains sidelined.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike

Unai Simon will start in goal.

Nico & Iñaki Williams will attack from the flanks.

Aitor Paredes and Unai Egiluz are out injured.

Athletic Bilbao Predicted Lineup: Simon; Ares, Lekue, Vivian, Boiro; Jauregizar, Vesga; I. Williams, Gomez, N. Williams; Guruzeta

This friendly might be experimental, but there’s plenty to analyze tactically.

Liverpool coach Arne Slot prefers a 4-2-3-1 style that prioritizes possession and attacking full-backs. Salah and Gakpo are expected to spread the field, while Wirtz operates between the lines.

Bilbao’s Counter Threat: Valverde’s men will sit compact and spring counters via the Williams brothers. Liverpool’s high line could be vulnerable to their pace.

Van Dijk vs. Nico Williams: Can the Liverpool captain contain Bilbao’s rising star?

Midfield Control: Gravenberch & Mac Allister vs Vesga & Jauregizar—whoever wins this battle will dictate the tempo.

Last meeting: Liverpool 1–1 Athletic Bilbao (Friendly, August 2021). 

Overall head-to-head: Liverpool is unbeaten in their last four games (2 wins, 2 draws). Although history favors Liverpool a bit, their friendly matches have been pretty competitive. While the historical record gives Liverpool a slight edge, matches between these two teams in friendlies have often been closely contested.

7 of Liverpool’s last 8 games produced over 3 goals.

Liverpool has scored 2+ goals in every preseason game so far.

Bilbao have conceded 5 goals in 4 preseason matches.

First Match: Liverpool 2-1 Athletic Bilbao

Second Match: Liverpool 1-1 Athletic Bilbao

Pick 1: Total Goals Over 1.5 (for both matches)

Pick 2: Liverpool to win the first game

Pick 3: Both teams to score – YES

Reason: To give maximum minutes to the entire squad before the season.

Format: One match at 5 PM (BST) & one at 8 PM (BST).

Goal: Build match sharpness ahead of the Community Shield vs. Crystal Palace.

Florian Wirtz: The German wonderkid is Liverpool’s new creative hub.

Hugo Ekitike: Expected to make his Anfield debut and lead the line.

Mohamed Salah: Still Liverpool’s talisman and his pace and goal-scoring threat remain elite.

Nico Williams: Bilbao’s most exciting player, can hurt Liverpool’s high line.

Iñaki Williams: Experienced winger, works tirelessly and brings leadership.

Gorka Guruzeta: Target man who will look to exploit Liverpool’s defensive gaps.