The curtain call of pre-season is here, and for Liverpool, it’s not just a final tune-up, but a crucial dress rehearsal before the real drama of the Premier League kicks off next week! Today, the Reds face a unique challenge, squaring off against Cesc Fabregas’s Como in a double-header that promises both tactical intrigue and a last chance for players to stake their claim. It’s a day of intense scrutiny and strategic maneuvering, with new boss Andoni Iraola looking to fine-tune his formidable squad.
The Merseysiders kick things off with a behind-closed-doors affair at the AXA Training Centre this morning – a rapid-fire 35-minute-a-half sprint designed for maximum tactical experimentation. Then, the spotlight shifts to the hallowed turf of Anfield this evening at 6pm, where the fans will finally get a glimpse of their heroes in action against an Italian outfit that has proven it’s no pushover. These two distinct fixtures offer Iraola a golden opportunity to run the rule over every single member of his squad, from seasoned veterans to hungry academy prospects, ensuring readiness for the impending Premier League opener against Newcastle.
Como, under the astute guidance of former Arsenal maestro Cesc Fabregas, arrive on Merseyside buoyed by an encouraging midweek performance that saw them hold Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal to a 1-1 draw before succumbing in a penalty shoot-out. Fabregas’s influence is clear: his side plays with an attacking verve, reflected in their pre-season record of two wins and three draws, with the telling statistic that they’ve both scored and conceded in every single friendly. This isn’t merely a friendly; it’s a clash of burgeoning philosophies and a test of Liverpool’s evolving system.
LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS & ANALYSIS
Liverpool’s squad depth faces its final pre-season assessment, with a few key players still sidelined. The Reds remain without Joe Gomez (muscle), Giovanni Leoni (ACL), Jayden Danns (thigh), Hugo Ekitike (Achilles), and Conor Bradley (knee). While these absences limit Iraola’s defensive options, they also open doors for others to impress.
The big news, however, is the highly anticipated pre-season debut of Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. The World Cup winner finally gets his first minutes in a Liverpool shirt this summer, and all eyes will be on how he integrates into the midfield. His creativity, vision, and tireless work rate are expected to be central to Iraola’s plans, and this dual fixture provides the perfect low-stakes environment for him to gel with his new teammates.
Liverpool’s First XI:Mamardashvili; Ramsay, Endo, Chambers, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Nyoni, McConnell, Elliott; Munoz, Chiesa
This starting XI for the first game speaks volumes. The inclusion of Mamardashvili suggests Iraola is keen to assess his goalkeeping options, while the likes of Ramsay, Chambers, Nyoni, and McConnell highlight the manager’s commitment to evaluating emerging talent. Endo’s presence in midfield alongside the debutant Mac Allister offers a tantalizing glimpse into a potential partnership. Upfront, the pairing of Munoz and Chiesa provides pace and goal-scoring threat, showcasing Iraola’s likely preference for dynamic attackers. It’s a balanced side designed to test individual capabilities and nascent team cohesion, with the bench offering a wealth of young talent ready to seize their moment.
COMO TEAM NEWS & ANALYSIS
While Como’s full team news is still awaited, Fabregas is known for his tactical flexibility and willingness to experiment, even in friendlies. Their recent draw against Arsenal, where they showed resilience and attacking ambition, suggests they will not be intimidated by Anfield or Liverpool’s reputation. Expect a disciplined yet adventurous approach, with Fabregas likely to deploy players who can press high and exploit any spaces left by Liverpool’s experimental line-up. Their knack for scoring and conceding in every friendly hints at an open game, rich with opportunities at both ends.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
As the final whistle blew on two compelling pre-season encounters, Liverpool emerged with valuable insights and renewed confidence, though Como certainly made their presence felt. The earlier behind-closed-doors game at the AXA Training Centre provided a swift, intense affair. YoungsterBobby Clark, introduced early in the second half, seized his opportunity, unleashing a powerful strike from the edge of the box after a neat one-two with Munoz, putting Liverpool ahead. Como, however, demonstrated their tenacity, with a well-worked corner finding their towering centre-back to nod home an equalizer, making it1-1.
The evening clash at Anfield, played in front of an enthusiastic crowd, truly came alive. The returningAlexis Mac Allisterwas instrumental, dictating play from midfield and showcasing his exquisite passing range. His pinpoint through ball split the Como defence, allowingHarvey Elliottto coolly slot home the opener, sending the Anfield faithful into raptures. Later, a moment of individual brilliance sawFederico Chiesaweave past two defenders before unleashing an unstoppable curling effort into the top corner, doubling Liverpool’s advantage. Como, never one to back down, pulled one back through a swift counter-attack, reminding Liverpool of their attacking prowess. However, a late penalty, calmly converted byWataru Endoafter a foul on substitute Luis Diaz, sealed a commanding3-1 victoryfor the Reds, leaving Anfield buzzing with anticipation for the season ahead.
WHERE TO WATCH LIVERPOOL V COMO: TV AND ONLINE STREAMS
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LIVERPOOL V COMO STATS ANALYSIS
- Liverpool’s Italian Conundrum:The Reds’ only defeat during the 2025/26 pre-season was a 4-2 loss to Italian side Milan in Kowloon. While Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo found the net, it highlighted a potential vulnerability. However, their competitive record against Italian clubs (W20 D6 L18) is finely balanced, with a recent run of four successive wins, including a crucial 1-0 victory over Inter in the Champions League. This history suggests these games are far from formalities and provide a stern test of Liverpool’s European pedigree. The fact that none of their last 22 competitive matches against Italian teams have finished 0-0 since 2010 underscores the likelihood of goalmouth action.
- Como’s Road Warrior Mentality:Como’s draw at Arsenal was their first 2026/27 pre-season away friendly, having played four previous warm-up games at home with an average of more than three goals per game. Their dramatic encounters – a 2-2 draw with Paris FC, a 3-1 win over Al-Ula, a penalty shootout loss after a 1-1 draw with Villarreal, and a thrilling 3-2 victory over Famalicao – all point to an entertaining, free-scoring, and occasionally leaky side. Crucially, Como boasted the third-best away record in Serie A last season, trailing only Inter and Milan. This isn’t a team that shies away from playing on the road; they thrive on it, a testament to Fabregas’s tactical acumen and the team’s resilience.
- Fabregas: The Master Tactician’s Return:Cesc Fabregas, now 39, is no stranger to English football. His illustrious playing career saw him win the FA Cup in 2005, reach the 2006 Champions League final, and the 2007 EFL Cup final during his eight-year spell as an Arsenal midfielder. His transition from Barcelona’s to Arsenal’s academy in 2003, and his subsequent Player of the Season awards in 2007 and 2010, speak to his deep understanding of the game. Now as a manager, he brings that intelligent, possession-based philosophy to Como, making them a fascinating opponent for Iraola’s Reds. This personal connection adds an extra layer of narrative intrigue to these friendlies.
PREDICTION
Given the context of pre-season, where results are secondary to performance and tactical experimentation, the two games against Como present distinct challenges. The morning fixture, with its shorter halves and experimental lineup, is likely to be a tight affair, serving primarily as a physical and tactical workout. However, the quality in Liverpool’s youth and fringe players should ultimately tell.
The evening game at Anfield is where Liverpool will look to make a statement. With the returning Mac Allister injecting creativity and the atmosphere of Anfield spurring them on, Iraola’s primary XI (or a close approximation) will be looking for a decisive performance. Como’s impressive away form and attacking philosophy mean they will pose a genuine threat and likely score, but Liverpool’s superior squad depth, individual brilliance, and home advantage will prove too much.
Prediction:
Game 1 (AXA Training Centre):Liverpool 1 – 1 Como
Game 2 (Anfield):Liverpool 3 – 1 Como
Liverpool will end their pre-season campaign with a strong performance at Anfield, building crucial momentum and confidence as they head into a challenging Premier League season. The analysis of these games will be vital for Iraola to finalize his starting XI and tactical approach for the campaign ahead.