Liverpool vs Milan match preview
Liverpool and AC Milan meet once again this Saturday in Hong Kong, rekindling a famous rivalry that includes two iconic Champions League finals in 2005 and 2007.
This pre-season clash gives both clubs a chance to build momentum heading into the new campaign, with vastly different trajectories heading into 2025-26.
Liverpool continue the Arne Slot era in earnest after a title-winning campaign. Slot is beginning to implement his own style and strategy, backed by heavy investment in the summer transfer market.
In contrast, AC Milan are starting a new chapter under Massimiliano Allegri, who returns to the club after more than a decade away, facing the task of rejuvenating a side that slumped to eighth in Serie A last term.
Liverpool vs Milan team news
Slot used Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Preston as a chance to introduce several new faces, including Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and new goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
This fixture could also see the full debut of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, the club’s record signings from Bayer Leverkusen and Frankfurt, who are expected to feature for the first time in a red shirt.
Key players such as Virgil van Dijk, Alisson, Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ibrahima Konate missed the pre-season opener but have travelled to Asia and are likely to be involved in some capacity.
AC Milan, meanwhile, are adjusting to life without Tijjani Reijnders and Theo Hernandez, both of whom have departed this summer.
Rafael Leao remains at the club amid ongoing speculation, and he started against Arsenal earlier in the week.
Milan’s new signings include Samuele Ricci and the experienced Luka Modric, with the latter expected to play a central role this season.
However, Milan’s forward line remains a concern, as they lacked a recognised striker in their loss to Arsenal, following exits for Luka Jovic, Tammy Abraham, and Francesco Camarda. Santiago Gimenez is a doubt following Gold Cup duty.
Liverpool vs Milan expected line-ups
Liverpool starting XI: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Gomez, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Endo, Jones; Salah, Nunez, Wirtz
Milan starting XI: Terracciano; Tomori, Thiaw, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Ricci, Musah, Loftus-Cheek, Chukwueze; Leao, Okafor
Is Liverpool vs Milan on TV? Live stream, TV channel
Kick-off on Saturday is at 12:30 BST (07:30 ET / 04:30 PT), with live coverage in the UK on All Red Video, which is free for a month and then costs £4.99 per month.
Milan TV is broadcasting the game via Amazon Prime Video, costing €3.99 a month with a free 15-day trial.
Liverpool vs Milan stats
- Liverpool have won four of the five competitive meetings between the teams, including each of the last three
- Both sides have scored in each of those games
- The Reds have won 19, drawn six and lost 18 of their competitive games against Italian clubs, scoring 57 goals and conceding 52
- Milan have won 13, drawn 14 and lost 19 of their competitive matches against English opponents, scoring 50 goals and conceding 59
- Their 3-1 home defeat by Liverpool in last season’s Champions League was their ninth loss in 14 such fixtures, drawing three times and winning twice
- Liverpool have won five of their last six matches against Italian teams outside of England
- Including friendlies, Liverpool have scored in nine successive away matches since a 1-0 defeat at Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fourth round on February 9
- Milan had scored in 10 of their previous 11 games not held at Stadio San Siro before their friendly defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday, the exception being their 1-0 Coppa Italia final loss to Bologna on May 14
- Milan’s Mike Maignan and Youssouf Fofana are international team-mates for France with Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate
- Milan forward Noah Okafor and Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai played together at Salzburg in 2020/21
Liverpool vs Milan prediction
With Liverpool looking sharper following their opening pre-season win and boasting a stronger, more settled squad, they go into this clash as clear favourites.
Milan are still in the early stages of a rebuild and lacked cutting edge against Arsenal, particularly up front.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 AC Milan
