Liverpool XI vs AC Milan: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

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4 days ago

Liverpool Predicted XI vs AC Milan: Ekitike Waits as Ngumoha Steps Up
Liverpool return to action on Saturday with their second pre-season fixture on tour, this time facing AC Milan in Hong Kong. The Reds have spent the week adjusting to conditions in the Far East, and fans will finally get their first glimpse of Arne Slot's side since their behind-closed-doors win over Preston.
After a promising start under their new manager and fresh off a Premier League title-winning campaign, the focus now shifts to bedding in new arrivals and assessing tactical flexibility. Hugo Ekitike, recently signed from Paris Saint-Germain, has joined the camp and already trained with his new teammates, but whether he features at all remains uncertain.
Early Clues From The Back
Pre-season line-ups are notoriously unpredictable, particularly in these early stages. Alisson Becker only just resumed training, and it is highly likely that Giorgi Mamardashvili will start in goal. Liverpool fans may still get to see Alisson later in the game, should Slot opt for a full second-half reshuffle.
In defence, Conor Bradley is expected to return to his more natural right-back role after Dominik Szoboszlai filled in there against Preston. Central defence remains something of a jigsaw, with Virgil van Dijk's fitness still being managed carefully. That likely opens the door for Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez to start.
At left-back, there are options. Andy Robertson is fit, Luke Chambers has impressed, but Milos Kerkez looks set to get the nod. The Hungarian continues to acclimatise well and is reportedly enjoying his time in training.
Photo: IMAGO
Midfield Balance Without Mac Allister
With Alexis Mac Allister not yet training fully in Hong Kong, Liverpool will need to reshape their midfield trio. We could see Curtis Jones or Dominik Szoboszlai drop in to deeper midfield role.
Ryan Gravenberch is expected to partner them, offering drive and ball progression through midfield. The most intriguing inclusion, however, should be Florian Wirtz. The German playmaker missed the Preston friendly but is now in line to start in his preferred attacking midfield position. His creativity and flair could be crucial against a well-organised Milan side.
Ngumoha's Rise Continues in Attack
Much of the talk in recent days has revolved around Hugo Ekitike, who was officially unveiled on Thursday. However, with just two training sessions under his belt, a starting berth is highly unlikely. He may not feature at all, depending on match sharpness and tactical readiness.
Luis Diaz remains the subject of strong interest from Bayern Munich, which leaves the left flank wide open. This could be another opportunity for 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha to impress. The youngster has been described as 'explosive' and his directness and maturity have already caught the eye of the coaching staff.
Mohamed Salah is virtually guaranteed to start on the right, while the centre-forward role may fall to Cody Gakpo, at least for this fixture. With Darwin Nunez's future unclear, and Ekitike not yet ready, Gakpo's versatility makes him an ideal short-term solution.
X: @LFC
Predicted XI
Goalkeeper: Giorgi Mamardashvili
Defenders: Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, Milos Kerkez
Midfielders: Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz
Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha
Slot will no doubt rotate heavily throughout the match, with fitness management and tactical variety both central to pre-season objectives. Saturday's clash with AC Milan is less about the result and more about rhythm, cohesion and testing the waters ahead of a long campaign.