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Liverpool line-up vs Monaco predicted as Van Dijk returns and Munoz makes debut

· Luke Thrower · 2026-08-09 · nguồn gốc

Liverpool line-up vs Monaco predicted as Virgil van Dijk returns and Victor Munoz makes debut Liverpool has its fourth and penultimate friendly match of preseason coming up against AS Monaco, with several returns on the cards for Andoni Iraola's side. Liverpool is back in preseason action on Sunday, as the side welcomes French club AS Monaco to Anfield in the penultimate match of the preparation for the new campaign. So far, the Reds have picked up two wins and one defeat in preseason, beating Sunderland and Wrexham before a defeat to Leeds rounded off the tour of the US. Now back in the UK, manager Andoni Iraola has more of his team at his disposal, which means the side that ends up featuring at Anfield is likely to be much closer to the one that starts the season against Newcastle United in two weeks. It means there will be changes to the side, as he looks to balance the options available with those who need to build fitness and gain some tactical understanding of his methods. One of those who could be in line for a return on Sunday is Alisson Becker. The goalkeeper made his move back to Merseyside later than some others, due to his involvement in the World Cup with Brazil. While Giorgi Mamardashvili has started the three games so far, there is a chance for Alisson to build some match sharpness and understand the tactical requirements of Iraola's system. In the full-back departments, it's likely that the manager will stick with Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, with the duo looking to keep those positions heading into the first match against Newcastle. Centre-back could bring about a return for Virgil van Dijk, who has been training in Merseyside for the past week without being able to compete in a match. The partner for the club captain is still up for debate, with Jeremy Jacquet's fitness doubts piling on top of Joe Gomez's injury and a longer recovery period for Giovanni Leoni. While Liverpool finalizes a deal for Ronald Araujo, academy prospect Ifeanyi Ndukwe could continue to show his quality after some impressive showings in the US tour. After showing some quality as a trio last time out, Iraola could stick with the midfield of Trey Nyoni, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Florian Wirtz for the match. It all depends on how much time the manager is looking to give Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones, but Nyoni has been a top performer through preseason and could have a chance to make the position his own once again. Up front, there could be a double return on the cards. Starting with Cody Gakpo, the winger is back in action after spending the past week in training, and he could be handed a chance to impress amid links with a transfer to Tottenham this summer. On the opposite side, Victor Munoz could be handed his debut for the Reds, after signing for the club from Osasuna earlier this summer. The Spaniard returned early from his holiday to meet everyone and settle in quickly, with the match against Monaco giving him a chance to get back out on the pitch. The duo is likely to be joined by Alexander Isak, who featured in the previous match and will look to make the most of a full preseason this time around. Liverpool predicted XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Ndukwe, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Nyoni, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Munoz, Isak, Gakpo.