Ekitike starts, five changes – Liverpool predicted XI v Yokohama Marinos
Arne Slot could hand Hugo Ekitike his Liverpool debut against Yokohama F. Marinos on Wednesday.
The Reds continue their pre-season preparations in Japan (30 July), and Ekitike could make his first appearance.
The 23-year-old was signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for a £69million initial fee and linked up with the squad afterwards, but did not feature in the 4-2 loss to AC Milan (26 July).
Meanwhile, Joe Gomez will miss out after being sent home from the tour with an injury, and Luis Diaz is expected to be absent as he finalises a transfer to Bayern Munich.
Slot makes five changes for Liverpool v Yokohama
Alisson is predicted to start after his performance against Milan, making four saves and seven recoveries. [Fotmob]
Jeremie Frimpong won the most duels in the last pre-season contest with six, so he is predicted to start this time around.
Luca Stephenson has enjoyed a role in the defence as the Reds prepare for the new campaign, and he might be given another shot.
Virgil Van Dijk is predicted to lead the side at the back, despite going down with injury in the first half against Milan.
Milos Kerkez completed three passes into the final third, four recoveries and won both of the two duels he attempted.
The Hungarian might be given a start on the left flank as a result.
Trey Nyoni is one of Liverpool’s most promising talents. He has shone so far and is expected to be handed another start.
Alexis Mac Allister has not featured in pre-season due to an injury that he picked up last season, but he is predicted to return to the line-up.
Dominik Szoboszlai might be given another starting berth after his stunning strike against the Serie A side.
Ekitike handed first Liverpool appearance
Mohamed Salah is predicted to start on the right flank, he featured for 45 minutes against the Italians, taking five touches in the opposition box.
Ekitike is expected to make his debut in the clash with the Japanese outfit.
The Frenchman is yet to make his bow for his new club, but that could change at the Nissan Stadium.
Florian Wirtz started as a false nine last time out, but the German may be benched on this occasion.
Rio Ngumoha has been the star of pre-season so far, and that might continue. He notched an assist and completed the most dribbles against Milan with three.
The 16-year-old could forge his way into Slot’s plans if he continues to impress, especially with Diaz looking like he is on the way out.
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