Why Liverpool will play Athletic Club twice in pre-season Anfield double header

Liverpool have two games left before the start of the new Premier League season, and both will be played on the same day

Liverpool are set to play their final two pre-season friendlies on the same day at Anfield. The Reds have returned from their recent pre-season endeavours in Asia, facing off against AC Milan and Yokohama FM.

But now all attention turns to their double-header against Athletic Club, with both games set to be played in Merseyside on the same day.

Fans have begun to speculate why back-to-back games have been pencilled in against the La Liga giants, with perhaps a risk of injury.

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But the conclusion is a simple one, with two kick-off times set for 17:00 BST and 20:00 BST respectively on Monday.

Turnstiles will close shortly after kick-off of the first match, and no entry will be permitted solely for the second match. That means if fans want to attend both games, they must be in the stadium in time for the first match. General admission tickets for the matches have now sold out.

The two clubs have agreed on the double-header in order to give game time to their whole squads.

That means there is a chance of over 30 players each to feature for both Liverpool and Athletic Club on Monday, in an ultimate pre-season workout.

Florian Wirtz, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Freddie Woodman could all make their home debuts later today.

Slot is yet to announce his new vice-captain for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign and says he will let the squad know his decision when the time is right.

“The group doesn’t know yet. I did talk to the individuals already, so the one that’s going to be vice-captain already knows,” he began after the recent victory over Yokohama FM.

“Everybody likes to have leaders in the team, and in modern football you don’t see that that much anymore.

“I have the privilege that I have a few of them, so experienced players that are not only experienced but understand the game and can be a voice inside the group and during the game. So, that’s always very helpful.”