Liverpool are finishing off their pre-season with two games against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield.

The Reds’ pre-season tour of Asia is over and they are now putting in their final preparations ahead of the new season where they must try and defend their Premier League title.

First, they will take on La Liga side Athletic Bilbao in a double-header on 4th August, with the second game set to be played behind closed doors.

That being said, the starting XI that Arne Slot decides to send out in the first game, which will be in front of a packed Anfield crowd, will likely be the strongest one he has available.

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This is where fans can understand who will be the likely starters for their first game of the season, or maybe even just before that when they take on Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.

And, there is one key call Slot has to make that most supporters will be keeping an eye on, with his decision perhaps a telling sign for what will happen next season.



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Even though Liverpool have made a lot of top quality signings, it is quite easy to tell what Slot’s preferred XI will be, at least in the majority of positions, that is.

There are still a few that no one is really sure who will play there, with right-back one of these areas due to the competition the Reds have in this position.

Marinos after coming on and providing an assist for Trey Nyoni following an excellent cross into the box.

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The Dutchman has still played a similar number of minutes as Bradley, although most of these have come in the right-wing position, suggesting Slot might prefer him a little higher up.

Their game against Bilbao could be the most telling sign as managers usually go as close to full strength as possible in their final pre-season game, with Slot doing just that against Sevilla last summer.

Either way, Liverpool fans will be reassured that they have two high-quality right-backs fighting for one spot, suggesting this will be a key battle throughout the season.

Both players share similarities but are also very different, giving Slot plenty of options next season when they come against different types of opponents.

However, Frimpong might be preferred against Bilbao as he is yet to start a pre-season game, with the perfect time to give him this being at Anfield in front of his new fans.

Slot could do the same with all of his new arrivals, with the aim being to settle them in and give them a taste of what they will experience next season.

Many may see it as just another friendly, but this one could be a key indication of things to come, suggesting Liverpool fans might want to tune in.