Confirmed Liverpool Line-up and Key Team News
Alisson Becker returns to the starting XI, making his first appearance of pre-season and anchoring a side featuring both established stars and recent arrivals. Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s record signing from Bayer Leverkusen, is set for his official debut after impressing in a behind-closed-doors match against Stoke. Harvey Elliott and Tyler Morton are also back in the squad after their U21 European Championship triumph with England. The confirmed Liverpool starting lineup is: Alisson; Van Dijk, Szoboszlai, Salah, Elliott, Robertson, Gravenberch, Wirtz, Ngumoha, Morton, Stephenson. Notable substitutes include Woodman, Mamardashvili, Konate, Jones, Gakpo, Tsimikas, Doak, Kerkez, Frimpong, Bradley, and Nyoni.
Recent signings such as Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Giorgi Mamardashvili are also expected to feature. Hugo Ekitiké, whose transfer was finalized this week, has travelled with the team and could make his debut. However, Federico Chiesa misses out due to injury.
AC Milan Approach and Team Updates
Milan, led by Massimiliano Allegri, are seeking to bounce back after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in Singapore. Their squad, while lacking some depth, is expected to include key players like former Chelsea trio Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Christian Pulisic. Rafael Leão remains the primary attacking threat, and young goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani, who saved three penalties against Arsenal, could start. Milan’s predicted lineup: Torriani; Tomori, Thiaw, Pavlović; Chukwueze, Loftus-Cheek, Ricci, Bondo, Bartesaghi; Pulisic, Leão.
Form Guide and Head-to-Head
Liverpool’s pre-season form has been impressive, registering a 5–0 win over Stoke and a 3–1 victory over Preston North End. Milan, meanwhile, have struggled against English opposition, losing to Arsenal and showing inconsistency in their recent friendlies. In their last five encounters, Liverpool have dominated with four wins to Milan’s one, including a 3–1 away victory in their most recent Champions League meeting on September 17, 2024.
Tactical and Statistical Insights
Liverpool are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1, featuring a blend of youth and experience. Their attacking output in pre-season has been notable, averaging 4 goals per game so far. With the additions of Wirtz and Frimpong, Arne Slot’s team is showing early signs of tactical flexibility and depth. Milan, likely to opt for a 3-5-2 system, will rely on defensive organization and counter-attacks, but their lack of depth could be exposed against Liverpool’s high-pressing style.
Viewing Information
The match is available for streaming worldwide, with UK viewers able to watch on Liverpool’s All Red Video platform, while fans in Italy can tune in via DAZN and MilanTV. U.S. coverage is provided by Paramount+.
Prediction
Given Liverpool’s strong pre-season form, squad depth, and the integration of high-profile signings, they are favorites to secure a comfortable win. Milan, despite their pedigree, have shown vulnerabilities and may struggle to contain Liverpool’s attacking threats. A predicted scoreline of 2–0 in favor of Liverpool reflects both recent performances and the statistical edge held by the Premier League champions.
This match not only serves as a key test for both clubs ahead of their respective league campaigns but also offers a valuable opportunity for analysts and bettors to gauge tactical trends, player form, and squad integration as the new season approaches.