Liverpool to Host Double‑Header vs Athletic Club at Anfield

Liverpool will cap off their 2025 pre‑season campaign with an unusual and exciting double‑header against La Liga side Athletic Club on Monday, August 4, at Anfield. Two full 90‑minute matches will kick off at 5 pm and 8 pm BST, offering a rare opportunity for supporters and the coaching staff to assess the full squad ahead of the competitive season. With both LFCTV and All Red Video broadcasting live coverage, fans worldwide can watch both games—an ideal final test before the Community Shield and Premier League kick‑off. Arne Slot is expected to rotate lineups across both fixtures, using the double bill to fine‑tune tactics and fitness.

Match Schedule, Venue and Ticket Access

Liverpool will play two consecutive matches against Athletic Club at Anfield, with first‑kick at 5 pm BST and the second at 8 pm BST on August 4 2025. Fans attending one match gain entry to both, as a single ticket covers both fixtures. Broadcast coverage begins at 4 pm BST on LFCTV and via streaming on Liverpool’s All Red Video, which offers a free one‑month trial for new subscribers. This unique arrangement allows supporters to watch two full lineups and gives the coaching team flexibility to rotate players across ninety‑minute blocks.

Strategic Purpose Behind the Double‑Header

This preseason double‑fixture serves multiple strategic goals. It allows Manager Arne Slot to test two distinct starting lineups in competitive conditions, replicating match‑duration stress and establishing squad depth. For Athletic Club, under Ernesto Valverde, the setup offers an ideal environment to assess 30‑player rotation, including youth call‑ups from Bilbao Athletic, while overseeing players’ fitness ahead of their Champions League campaign.

For Liverpool, having returned from a successful Asia tour—wins over Preston North End and Stoke, plus a loss to AC Milan and a win in Japan—the double‑header acts as a final rehearsal ahead of the Community Shield against Crystal Palace on August 10 and the Premier League opener later in the month.

Form Guide & Pre‑Season Results

So far, Liverpool have navigated a well‑balanced pre‑season:

• 3–1 win over Preston North End (away)
• 5–0 behind‑closed‑doors victory over Stoke City
• Loss to AC Milan in Hong Kong
• 3–1 win over Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan.

Athletic Club come in with more mixed form: only one pre‑season win (vs Ponferradina) and three consecutive defeats to Alavés, PSV Eindhoven and Racing Santander. These fixtures provide Valverde a pivotal chance to invigorate his squad and correct course ahead of the season’s start.

Team News & Line‑Up Considerations

Liverpool’s squad is mostly fit but not without developments. Alisson Becker is absent due to personal reasons, while Federico Chiesa and Joe Gomez are being assessed by medical staff. Notable transfer news includes Luis Díaz’s move to Bayern Munich, while Florian Wirtz, new record‑fee signing, continues to search for his ideal position tactically amid fierce competition in midfield and attack.

Valverde's Athletic Club squad includes 30 players, blending first‑team regulars with youth prospects—a setup intended to test depth and give minutes to emerging talents from Lezama.

How and Where to Watch

For global fans, both matches will be broadcast via LFCTV and All Red Video, starting with coverage at 4 pm BST ahead of the first match. UK-based supporters can watch via either platform; international viewers should check local listings and Liverpool’s digital platforms. New subscribers to All Red Video can access the friendlies free for the first month, making these the most accessible fixtures before the official season begins.

Tactical Insights & Predictions

Multiple outlets highlight Liverpool’s fitness and tactical cohesion as strengths: Sports Mole and This is Anfield stress Arne Slot’s opportunity to test systems across two full games, pressing his squad’s readiness ahead of competitive fixtures. Betting previews generally favor Liverpool, though expect careful rotation: some analysts suggest Athletic Club may field stronger starters in one match while Liverpool rest key players.

Pre‑Season Double‑Header Overview

• Date: Monday, August 4, 2025
• Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
• Kick‑offs: 5 pm BST and 8 pm BST (6 pm & 9 pm CEST for Athletic)
• Ticketing: Single ticket valid for both matches
• Broadcast: LFCTV and All Red Video (free trial available)
• Liverpool tend‑up: Preston (win), Stoke (win), AC Milan (loss), Yokohama FM (win)
• Athletic Club form: One win, three losses in pre‑season
• Squad rotation: Likely two distinct lineups per match
• Team news: Díaz transferred, Wirtz adapting, Gomes/Chiesa assessed, Alisson away
• Next fixtures: Community Shield vs Crystal Palace on Aug 10; Premier League opener mid‑August

Looking Ahead: Season Implications

This double‑header acts as Liverpool’s final stand before competitive football resumes. With Community Shield arriving shortly after and the Premier League season beginning on August 15 vs Bournemouth, these matches are critical for rhythm, selection clarity, and tactical fine‑tuning under real match stress.

For Athletic Club, it’s a benchmark event ahead of their Champions League return and La Liga launch the following week.  Coach Valverde’s rotation strategy in these fixtures will be closely watched by fans and analysts, setting the tone for their campaign.

Conclusion

Liverpool’s decision to host Athletic Club in two full matches on the same day is an innovative pre‑season solution designed to test fitness, squad depth, and tactical versatility. Fans can enjoy two distinct contests streamed live via LFCTV and All Red Video—a compelling prelude to the upcoming Community Shield and Premier League campaign. As both sides ready themselves for competitive action, these friendlies promise valuable insights into team form, rotation strategies, and readiness for the season ahead.