Iraola's Debut: Andoni Iraola takes charge of Liverpool for the first time, succeeding Arne Slot who was sacked in May 2025 following a disappointing title defense.
Confirmed Starting XI: Giorgi Mamardashvili starts in goal, with Joe Gomez captaining the side. The lineup features a blend of youth and experience including Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Kostas Tsimikas, and young talents like Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni.
Sunderland's Rise: The Black Cats finished seventh in the Premier League last season under Régis Le Bris, thriving on direct play and set pieces — a contrast to Liverpool's struggles in those areas.
Absent Stars: Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Alisson Becker, Cody Gakpo, and new signing Víctor Muñoz are unavailable due to World Cup involvement. Mo Salah also departed Liverpool at the end of last season.
Why This Matters: This friendly offers an early glimpse into Iraola's tactical approach and how Liverpool will adapt without key players from last season, setting the tone for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign.
Liverpool's decision to appoint Andoni Iraola signals a return to high-intensity, pressing football reminiscent of the Klopp years. The former Bournemouth boss built a reputation for an aggressive, attack-minded system that troubled even the best Premier League sides. Saturday's friendly provides the first opportunity to see how Liverpool's squad adapts to these demands.
The starting XI confirms Iraola's willingness to trust youth alongside established players:
Giorgi Mamardashvili: (GK) — The Georgian international gets the nod between the posts.
Joe Gomez: (C) — Leading the side as captain, the defender brings leadership and experience.
Curtis Jones & Harvey Elliott: — Core midfield creativity to drive play forward.
Kostas Tsimikas: — Providing width and delivery from left-back.
Young Core: — Frimpong, McConnell, Morrison, Ngumoha, N'Diaye, and Wright represent Liverpool's academy pipeline.
Sunderland enters this match with significant momentum. Régis Le Bris transformed the Black Cats into a top-half Premier League side by embracing set-piece efficiency and direct transitional play — areas where Liverpool notably struggled last season. After beating York City 5-1 in their own preseason opener, Sunderland arrives in Nashville with confidence.
The absence of Liverpool's World Cup participants — including Van Dijk, Mac Allister, Alisson, and Gakpo — combined with Mohamed Salah's emotional departure at season's end, means Iraola is working with a transitional squad. This gives younger players a platform to stake their claim for regular minutes in the upcoming campaign.
United States: ESPN Unlimited ($30/month)
United Kingdom: All Red Video (£5.49/month) or Sunderland's official PPV (£8)
Australia: beIN Sports Connect (from AU$15/month) or Stan Sport (AU$20/month on top of Stan subscription)
Where is the Liverpool vs. Sunderland friendly being played?
The match is being held at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
What time does the match kick off?
Kickoff is at 5 p.m. CDT (6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT in the US, 11 p.m. BST in the UK, and 8 a.m. AEST on Sunday in Australia).
Why are key Liverpool players missing?
Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Alisson Becker, Cody Gakpo, and Víctor Muñoz are absent due to World Cup involvement. Mo Salah left the club at the end of last season.
Can I watch the match on Liverpool's official channels?
Yes, Liverpool's All Red Video service is streaming the match live, though it is not available in the USA.
Why did Liverpool sack Arne Slot?
Slot was dismissed at the end of May following a disappointing title defense in the 2025-26 season.
For Liverpool Fans: Expect a high-tempo, pressing system under Iraola. Patience will be needed as the squad adapts without several key stars.
For Sunderland Fans: This match tests your side against Premier League opposition and shows how far the Black Cats have come since their return to the top flight.
Tactical Watch: Pay attention to Liverpool's pressing structure and Sunderland's set-piece execution — these could define the upcoming season for both clubs.
Key Takeaway: Preseason results matter less than performances. Watch for positional experiments, individual battles, and how Iraola communicates instructions from the sideline.
What are your expectations for Liverpool under Andoni Iraola? Can Sunderland build on last season's remarkable seventh-place finish? Share your thoughts below!
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*Do you think Iraola's style will bring back the glory days at Anfield? Let us know!*
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