Liverpool host Monaco in final pre-season friendly

Liverpool host AS Monaco at Anfield this afternoon in the Reds’ final pre-season friendly before the Premier League opener against Fulham on August 17.

This is more than just a warm-up. Andoni Iraola’s first competitive run as Liverpool manager ends here, and the game serves as the last chance for fringe players to stake a claim before the league curtain-raiser. After two matches in the U.S. — draws with both Chelsea and Manchester City — Liverpool return to Merseyside with a squad still searching for cohesion and sharpness. The Reds have already flown in additional first-team players for this match, underlining its importance in Iraola’s early assessment of his squad.

Monaco arrive with their own agenda: new manager Adolfo Sormani will use the trip to evaluate young talent and integrate new signings. The Ligue 1 side has already faced Nice and Roma in friendlies, so both teams will treat this as a competitive workout. Liverpool will likely rotate heavily, but key figures like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are expected to feature. The match also offers a first glimpse of new signing Dominik Szoboszlai in a Liverpool shirt, though he may not start. Media speculation suggests several academy players, including James McConnell and Jayden Danns, could be handed a chance to impress.

Tonight’s result won’t count for anything, but the shape of the squad, the fitness of first-choice players, and the integration of new arrivals will all be under scrutiny. A strong performance could boost confidence ahead of a tough opening run that includes Crystal Palace, Brighton and Arsenal in the first six weeks. A poor display might raise questions about Iraola’s ability to impose his style from day one. Either way, this is Liverpool’s last real look at themselves before the season starts for real.