The curtain falls on another gruelling pre-season, and for Liverpool, the final act plays out under the hallowed lights of Anfield this Sunday. It’s not just a friendly; it’s the ultimate dress rehearsal, a crucial litmus test before the unforgiving demands of the new campaign truly kick in. Facing Serie A side Como, led by the astute tactical mind of Cesc Fabregas, Jürgen Klopp’s men aren’t just looking for a win – they’re searching for cohesion, confidence, and a definitive statement of intent.
The Reds are set for a unique double-header, with a behind-closed-doors fixture preceding the main event that will welcome the faithful back to Anfield. For many, this evening encounter is the true barometer, offering a glimpse of the squad that will spearhead Liverpool’s ambitions for glory. The recent stumble against Monaco, where early brilliance from Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak was undone by a late collapse, served as a stark reminder that even in pre-season, defensive lapses can be brutally punished. Aleksandr Golovin, Mika Biereth, and Paris Brunner exposed vulnerabilities that Klopp will be desperate to iron out before the competitive action begins.
However, a new dawn may be breaking at the back. The arrival of Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona has sent a ripple of excitement through the fanbase. The Uruguay international, a towering presence known for his athleticism, aerial dominance, and no-nonsense defending, is widely expected to make his much-anticipated Anfield debut. His potential partnership with Virgil van Dijk could be the bedrock upon which Liverpool’s defensive resurgence is built, and Sunday’s clash offers the first tantalising glimpse of this formidable duo.
Across the pitch, Como arrives on Merseyside with their own impressive pre-season narrative. Under the guidance of former Arsenal and Barcelona maestro Cesc Fabregas, they’ve navigated their summer schedule unbeaten, culminating in a resilient 1-1 draw with Arsenal in midweek and a narrow Emirates Cup defeat on penalties. Fabregas has instilled a clear identity: his side scores goals, but crucially, they also concede them. With two wins and three draws, their record highlights an exciting, albeit sometimes porous, attacking philosophy that promises an open and engaging contest at Anfield.
Liverpool v Como team news & Tactical Outlook
Liverpool’s treatment room still houses Joe Gomez (muscle), Giovanni Leoni (ACL), Jayden Danns (thigh), Hugo Ekitike (Achilles), and Conor Bradley (knee). While these are significant absences, there’s a collective sigh of relief with the return of several key figures. Jeremy Jacquet, a promising defensive talent, Curtis Jones, whose midfield dynamism was sorely missed, and Alexis Mac Allister, returning after his post-World Cup break, are all back in training. While they might not start, their presence on the bench offers Klopp valuable depth and options to change the game.
All eyes, of course, will be on Ronald Araujo. The prospect of him partnering Virgil van Dijk in central defence is a mouth-watering one, potentially offering the perfect blend of Van Dijk’s elegance and leadership with Araujo’s raw power and aggression. This partnership could provide the defensive steel that Liverpool has, at times, lacked. In midfield, the likes of Gravenberch and Szoboszlai will be tasked with providing both defensive cover and creative thrust, while the attacking quartet of Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo, and Isak promises pace, trickery, and goals.
For Como, the return of Nico Paz after his brief absence would be a boost, adding creativity to their midfield. Jacobo Ramon is expected to hold his place in defence, while Anastasios Douvikas, a striker with a keen eye for goal, could replace Alvaro Morata in attack. Douvikas will be a direct threat, looking to exploit any lingering defensive vulnerabilities in the Liverpool backline. Fabregas’s system often revolves around quick transitions and intelligent movement, and he will be eager to see his side test Liverpool’s new-look defence.
Liverpool v Como predicted line-ups
Liverpool:Alisson; Frimpong, Araujo, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Como:Butez; Couto, Ramon, Kempf, Valle; Da Cunha, Perrone; Liberali, Baturina, Diao; Douvikas.
Game Highlights
The Anfield crowd was buzzing with anticipation, and they didn’t have to wait long for the action to ignite. Liverpool, playing with a renewed vigour, pressed high from the whistle. In the12th minute, a sublime through ball from Dominik Szoboszlai sliced through Como’s defence, finding the surging run ofFlorian Wirtz. The young German sensation kept his composure, slotting coolly past Butez to give Liverpool the lead, sending the Kop into raptures.
However, Como, under Fabregas, are no pushovers. Just ten minutes later, in the22nd minute, they hit back. A sharp counter-attack saw Da Cunha releaseAnastasios Douvikas, whose low, powerful shot snaked past Alisson at his near post, levelling the score and demonstrating Como’s attacking prowess. The atmosphere intensified as the game became a genuine battle of wits.
The second half saw Liverpool come out with renewed determination, and the impact ofRonald Araujowas palpable. In the56th minute, a dangerous Como corner was emphatically headed away by the Uruguayan, showcasing his aerial dominance and defensive leadership. His presence seemed to galvanise the backline, and Liverpool began to assert more control.
The decisive moment arrived in the78th minute. A brilliant piece of individual skill fromAlexander Isaksaw him weave past two Como defenders on the edge of the box. His initial shot was parried by Butez, but the ever-alertCody Gakpowas on hand to smash home the rebound, putting Liverpool back in front. The roar from the crowd confirmed the significance of the goal.
Como pushed for an equaliser in the dying minutes, bringing on fresh legs, but Liverpool’s defence, marshalled by Araujo and Van Dijk, held firm. A late save from Alisson in the 89th minute, denying a powerful strike from Como substitute Baturina, secured the victory for the Reds.
Prediction
This final pre-season clash is more than just a friendly; it’s a statement. Liverpool, with the highly anticipated debut of Araujo and the return of key midfielders, will be determined to put on a dominant display at Anfield. While Como have shown resilience and an ability to score, their tendency to concede against strong opposition, combined with Liverpool’s attacking firepower and the added defensive steel, points towards a home victory. Expect an open game with goals, but ultimately, the Reds’ quality should shine through.Liverpool to win 3-1.
Where to watch Liverpool v Como: TV and online streams
Kick-off on Sunday is at 18:00 BST (12:00 PT / 09:00 ET). Live coverage and streaming is on All Red, which costs £4.99 a month or £42.99 a season. A 14-day free trial is available.
