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Liverpool have named their starting XI for the first of today’s two friendlies against Como, with Alexis Mac Allister making his return to action. The match is being played behind closed doors at the AXA Training Centre, with the game consisting of two 35-minute halves. Liverpool XI Mamardashvili Ramsay – Endo – Chambers – Tsimikas Nyoni – McConnell Elliott – Mac Allister – Muñoz Chiesa Subs: Davies, Koumas, Morrison, Ndiaye, Wright, Sonni-Lambie, Pitt. It is an interesting team from Andoni Iraola, particularly with so many first-team players being saved for the second fixture at Anfield later today. Mac Allister is back The biggest positive has to be seeing Alexis Mac Allister back in a Liverpool shirt. The midfielder only returned to the AXA this week following his extended break and is now getting his first minutes of pre-season. That’s excellent news for Iraola. Mac Allister could be absolutely crucial to finding the midfield balance Liverpool have been missing, and today’s 70-minute fixture should give him valuable time to get back up to speed. An exciting midfield There is also an opportunity for Trey Nyoni and James McConnell. Both youngsters have been involved around the first team during pre-season, and this is another chance to show Iraola what they can offer. With Mac Allister operating ahead of them, it will be fascinating to see how the midfield functions. Liverpool’s midfield has been one of the biggest talking points throughout pre-season, so even a behind-closed-doors friendly could provide some interesting clues. Muñoz gets another opportunity Victor Muñoz also starts, and I’m particularly interested in watching him after reports that he has impressed Iraola in training as a potential striker option. The Spaniard has reportedly shown intelligent movement and an ability to threaten the space in behind. With Chiesa also starting, we could see some interesting rotations in attack. Chiesa leads the line Federico Chiesa is listed as the striker, which is another intriguing development. With Alexander Isak likely to feature in the later game at Anfield, this gives Iraola the opportunity to assess Chiesa centrally. Liverpool are still dealing with the long-term absence of Hugo Ekitike, so finding alternative options up front could prove important. The young players get their chance This game also gives several academy players another opportunity to impress. Nyoni, McConnell, Chambers, Ramsay and the substitutes are all players who will be hoping to catch Iraola’s eye before the competitive season begins. Liverpool’s squad is going to be tested heavily once the Premier League, Champions League and domestic competitions get underway. The youngsters who can demonstrate that they’re ready to step up could become extremely valuable. Two games. One final test. Liverpool face Como twice today, with the second fixture taking place at Anfield in front of supporters later this afternoon. That means Iraola can effectively give almost his entire squad a final run-out before the Premier League opener against Newcastle. And there are plenty of things to watch. Mac Allister’s return. Muñoz’s development as a striker. Nyoni and McConnell in midfield. Chiesa leading the line. And, most importantly, whether Liverpool can show more defensive stability after the problems exposed against Monaco. The first team may not be playing until later, but there is still plenty to get excited about this morning. Jamie (The Kopite View) Think You Know Liverpool FC? Put your Liverpool knowledge to the test with The Liverpool FC 100-Question Quiz Book! With 100 questions covering Liverpool legends, Anfield, European nights, trophies, managers and famous moments, how many can you get right? 🏆 100 questions ⚽ 10 quiz rounds 🔴 Full answers included 🎯 Perfect for Liverpool fans 👉 Test your Liverpool knowledge — get the quiz book here for just £3.99.