Match 1: Liverpool v Athletic Bilbao – Confirmed line-ups with Darwin Nunez and Alexis Mac Allister included

Liverpool host Athletic Bilbao in the first of two pre-season friendlies between the clubs at Anfield this evening.

The Reds have returned from their tour of Asia and are now looking to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the new campaign.

The first of the two matches kicks off at 5pm and the second at 8pm.

It is the first time Liverpool have played a game at home since the tragic passing of forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car crash in Spain last month.

Writing in the matchday programme, boss Arne Slot said: “It will be great to be back at Anfield for the first time since we lifted the Premier League trophy back in May, and we are all looking forward to that.

“Of course, we know that this will also be an emotional occasion, being the first time that we have played at home since we lost Diogo. I know that you will want to pay your tributes before, during and after the games, and I know that we will hear his song ringing out throughout the evening.

“It has been a tough time for everyone connected with the club, but especially for Diogo’s family, his wife, his children and friends.

“I want to mention the strength and the courage of my players here, too. They have found themselves in one of the toughest positions imaginable, but the way they have come together and the way they have conducted themselves, on and off the pitch, is a credit to them and to this football club. We really couldn’t have asked more of the boys, and I am extremely proud of them all.”

Liverpool Team News

Teenagers Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha are included in the first match of the evening after both scored in the 3-1 win over Yokohama F Marinos last Wednesday.

There is also considerable experience alongside them with Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister and Darwin Nunez all included.

Nunez was expected to leave Anfield this summer and is reported to be in talks with several clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

Liverpool: Woodman; Jones, Stephenson, Robertson, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Elliott, Nyoni, Ngumoha, Doak; Nunez

Athletic Bilbao Team News

Athletic have named a youthful looking team for the opener with many of their big names on the bench and primed to star later on.

That includes Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon and the Williams brothers, Inaki and Nico.

Nico has this summer signed a new contract with Athletic after rejecting a move to Barcelona.

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