Liverpool play a double-header against Athletic Bilbao before kick-starting their new season.

The Reds are fresh off their pre-season tour of Asia and will be looking to build on their win against Yokohama F.

Marinos with a victory at Anfield.

Liverpool play twice against Bilbao on Monday 4th August, although the main focus will be on the first game in front of a crowd, with the second behind-closed-doors.

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Arne Slot has some big decisions to make but is expected to go strong with his lineup for the first game, with the Dutchman handing out many home debuts to the new signings.



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Each player has slowly been getting more and more minutes as pre-season has gone on to bring them up to full match fitness, but one player who has not had many at all is goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

The Brazilian missed their last friendly due to personal issues and flew back to his homeland, but as he is expected to return to training, he will likely get the nod over Giorgi Mamardashvili so he can regain some minutes back.

Three of the back four seem pretty nailed on and pick themselves, with Milos Kerkez making his Anfield debut at left-back, while the usual pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate will likely stay the same.

As for right-back, Slot has a big decision to make between Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, but after not starting a pre-season game yet, as well as impressing in their last match with an assist, we think the Dutchman will finally get his start.

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This is the area of the pitch where Liverpool have the most options, but if everyone is fit, there is a trio that most fans will want to see.

Ryan Gravenberch will likely hold down his usual position, especially as he is ineligible for their first game of the season against Bournemouth due to suspension.

Just in front of him should be Alexis Mac Allister depending on fitness, with the Argentine only just returning to full training and getting his first minutes against Yokohama Marinos last time out.

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And then just behind the striker will surely be record signing Florian Wirtz, with the German set for a huge welcome after shining in pre-season thus far, with the Reds’ new number seven ready to set Anfield alight.

The attack is where Slot will want to finish off strong and based on what he is likely to go for, it is probably as close to his preferred starting XI as you can get.

Despite 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha impressing and also getting his first goal for the club, Cody Gakpo will likely start at left wing for the second game in a row, with the Dutchman Liverpool’s main man from the left now Luis Diaz has gone.

Mohamed Salah will, of course, start on the right, although he is one who could have his minutes managed as he will surely play in their Community Shield meeting with Crystal Palace on Sunday 10th August, just six days later.

And, to lead the line, new signing Hugo Ekitike will likely get the nod, with fans keen to see what he can offer after a decent debut against Yokohama Marinos.