Liverpool vs. Athletic Club Tips and Odds – 04/08/2025

• Fixture: Liverpool vs. Athletic Club (Pre-season Friendly)
• Date: Monday, 4 August 2025
• Venue: Anfield, Liverpool

Get ready for a summer football spectacle as Liverpool face Athletic Club in a highly-anticipated pre-season friendly at Anfield. This match marks the Reds’ first home appearance since their 2024/25 Premier League title celebrations, offering fans a chance both to assess the squad ahead of the new campaign and to enjoy an emotional tribute to the legacy of Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away this month. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with supporters eager to welcome new signings and see budding academy prospects in action alongside established stars.

Liverpool enter this fixture riding high after a strong summer of results. Under Arne Slot, they’ve kept momentum with impressive friendly wins, including a 5-0 demolition of Stoke and a resilient 3-1 victory over Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan. While they fell 4-2 to AC Milan in Hong Kong, their overall pre-season form remains robust.

Athletic Club, coached by Ernesto Valverde, finished their recent La Liga season strongly and have used their trademark Basque-only squad to great effect. Their latest results show steady form, including victories against Ferroviaria and Avai, as well as draws and narrow wins over Brazilian club opposition in their pre-season tour. The squad is built on defensive discipline and dynamic counter-attacking, with Unai Simón anchoring at the back and the Williams brothers (Iñaki and Nico) posing constant threats up front.

Both teams face some injury question marks for this tie. Liverpool are carefully managing the fitness of several key players, including Alisson and Joe Gomez, with minor knocks to Conor Bradley and Darwin Núñez also reported. Athletic Club have been similarly vigilant, with Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams both nursing small injuries earlier in the summer, though they may be in contention by kickoff. Any late suspensions are anticipated to be announced closer to match day.

Key Players to Watch

• Liverpool: Mohamed Salah continues to lead by example and will be integral to the Reds’ attack, supported by dynamo Alexis Mac Allister. Virgil van Dijk’s assured presence at the back also makes him a standout threat, while Florian Wirtz has just registered his first goal in a Liverpool shirt.
• Athletic Club: Unai Simón is a stalwart in goal, often called upon to make crucial saves. Midfield creativity will hinge on Oihan Sancet’s fitness, with Iñaki Williams’ direct running and Nico Williams’ dribbling and cutting edge likely to trouble Liverpool’s defense. Gorka Guruzeta will also be one to watch for late runs into the box.

Match Prediction

With Liverpool holding home advantage and boasting greater squad depth despite injury concerns, they are favorites to edge out Athletic Club in an entertaining affair. Expect a close contest in the first half, with Liverpool likely to pull ahead as their attacking fluency finds its rhythm. However, the Basque outfit’s defensive organization and counter-attacking threat could see them nick a goal. Predicted score: Liverpool 2-1 Athletic Club.

Betting Markets & Odds

Odds are indicative and for reference only; please check with your bookmaker for live updates.

This friendly presents the perfect blend of pre-season spectacle, tactical intrigue, and a warm homecoming for the Anfield faithful.