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Experience top-tier analysis of the Liverpool vs Athletic Club double‑header friendly, diving into club form, tactics, team news, and viewing options. Discover why this clash matters for both sides heading into the new season.
Problem – Agitate – Solution
- Problem: Both clubs need competitive minutes ahead of full‑season pressures. Liverpool require momentum, while Athletic must shake off poor form.
- Agitate: Athletic’s defensive crisis (bans and injuries to key centre‑backs) undermines their stability, especially facing Liverpool’s high-quality squad. (SI)
- Solution: These friendlies offer both managers a critical lineup experiment—Slot will fine‑tune his new signings (Wirtz, Ekitike, Frimpong), Valverde will assess fringe and youth options. (Football Whispers)
Quick Take — Liverpool vs Athletic Club Insights
Head-to-Head & Historical Context
- Clubs first met in the 1960s Fairs Cup; competitive UEFA ties occurred in 1983. Liverpool have historically had the upper hand. (Liverpool FC)
- Recent record: Liverpool 1 win, 1 draw in two friendlies (3–1 in 2017 and 1–1 in 2021). (AiScore)
Form Guide
- Liverpool: Scored 3–1 against Basel, Preston & Yokohama, but lost 4–2 to Milan. Attack is sharp, defense remains inconsistent. (Checklive, SI, AiScore)
- Athletic Club: One win (Ponferradina), three defeats in pre-season. Defensively depleted and lacking offensive output. (AiScore)
Team News & Tactical Considerations
- Liverpool: Alisson absent due to personal reasons; Slot to rotate heavily. Wirtz yet to hit form—tactical integration remains unresolved. (Football Whispers)
- Athletic Club: With Yeray, Egiluz, and Paredes ruled out, only Vivian remains as first-team central defender. Valverde has drafted several youth players. (Diario AS)
Match Details & Broadcast Info
- Date: Monday, 4 August 2025
- Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
- Kick-off Times:
- Match 1 at 17:00 BST (5 pm)
- Match 2 at 20:00 BST (8 pm) (SI, The Standard, talksport.com)
- Live Coverage:
- UK: LFCTV or “All Red Video” stream (free trial available) (talksport.com)
- International: DAZN in select markets (SI)
Predictions & What to Expect
Managerial Strategies
- Arne Slot (Liverpool): Likely to deploy strong starting xi followed by rotated squad in second match to assess depth and youth. (Bookmakers World)
- Ernesto Valverde (Athletic): Will rely on experimental lineups, evaluating young defenders and midfielders amid a defensive crisis. (Diario AS, Liverpool FC)
Score Predictions
- Experts favor Liverpool wins:
- Match 1: ~2‑0
- Match 2: ~3‑1 or 2‑1 (SI)
- Both teams have consistently seen over 2.5 goals and both teams scoring in recent matches, making attacking play likely. (Bookmakers World, Checklive)
Takeaway — Why This Matters
- For Liverpool: Final pre-season test and opportunity to integrate new signings, sharpen tactics, and build cohesion before the Community Shield and Premier League opener.
- For Athletic Club: Critical assessment of squad depth, especially defensive operations, while managing multiple absences amid a challenging preseason.
Liverpool vs Athletic Club isn’t just a friendly—it’s a barometer of readiness for two clubs with contrasting challenges ahead.
FAQ
Liverpool vs Athletic Club takes place on Monday, August 4, 2025, with two friendlies scheduled: one at 5:00 PM BST and another at 8:00 PM BST, both hosted at Anfield.
You can watch Liverpool vs Athletic Club live on LFCTV (subscription) or stream it free via the All Red Video platform for a limited-time trial. International fans may access the game on DAZN in selected regions.
Yes, both teams will play two consecutive matches on the same day at Anfield. This allows for extended squad rotation, youth participation, and tactical testing.
Liverpool will miss Alisson (personal reasons), while Athletic Club is missing multiple central defenders including Yeray Álvarez, Egiluz, and Paredes, leaving Vivian as their only fit centre-back.
Experts predict a 2–0 or 3–1 win for Liverpool in both matches due to their superior form and Athletic’s defensive injuries. Expect high-scoring games with over 2.5 goals likely.
This unique format gives both Arne Slot and Ernesto Valverde a chance to test full squads, analyze formations, and assess youth players in a real-match environment before the new season begins.