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Liverpool's team news and expected starting XI for their pre-season friendly against AC Milan in Hong Kong have been confirmed. Notably, Hugo Ekitike, Luis Diaz, and Darwin Nunez are absent from the squad for this fixture.

Florian Wirtz is set to start, marking one of his early appearances for Liverpool following his summer move from Bayer Leverkusen. The lineup includes established players such as Alisson Becker in goal, Virgil van Dijk in defense, and Mohamed Salah in the attacking midfield role. Harvey Elliott and Tyler Morton return after extended breaks due to their involvement with England U21s.

The confirmed Liverpool starting XI lined up in a flexible system is as follows:

• Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
• Defenders: Virgil van Dijk, supported by full-backs including Kostas Tsimikas and Trent Alexander-Arnold or rookies like Milos Kerkez
• Midfielders: Florian Wirtz, Gravenberch, and Harvey Elliott feature prominently
• Forwards: Mohamed Salah leads the attack with support from young talents such as Rafa Ngumoha and Tyler Morton

Subs include backup goalkeepers Giorgi Mamardashvili and Caoimhin Kelleher, along with defenders Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley, and attackers like Cody Gakpo. This selection reflects a blend of youth and experience aimed at maintaining a strong pre-season showing.

On the AC Milan side, uncertainties remain with striker Rafael Leão still at the club amidst transfer speculation. Milan have rebuilt their midfield significantly, including the addition of Samuele Ricci and Luka Modric, but lack depth upfront. Their probable lineup against Liverpool features Terracciano in goal, a back three of Tomori, Thiaw, and Pavlovi?, and attacking players Leão and Pulisic.

With Liverpool displaying sharpness in attacking phases during pre-season and Milan’s squad appearing threadbare, Liverpool are expected to assert control in this friendly encounter.


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