| Liverpool vs Monaco | |
| MATCH | Club Friendlies |
| DATE | 09 - 08 - 2026 |
| TIME | 07.00 PM IST |
| STADIUM | Stadium |
Liverpool vs Monaco Preview: Reds Aim to Finish Pre-Season on a High at Anfield
Liverpool will return to Anfield for their final major pre-season test when they host Monaco on Sunday, with new head coach Andoni Iraola still searching for the right balance ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
The Reds showed two very different sides in their recent defeat to Leeds United. Liverpool were outstanding during the first half and deservedly went into the break with a 2-0 lead, but wholesale substitutions after the interval disrupted the team and allowed Leeds to score four times in the second half.
Iraola admitted afterwards that the match had been the most informative pre-season fixture so far. While the result was disappointing, the Liverpool boss will be hoping the lessons learned can help prevent similar collapses once competitive football begins.
Liverpool still finding rhythm under Iraola
Liverpool open their Premier League season against Newcastle United on August 23, and concerns remain over how prepared the squad is for the new campaign. Supporters are particularly anxious about the lack of a clear replacement for Mohamed Salah, whose influence remains difficult to replicate.
The club entered a new era this summer after Arne Slot was dismissed following a fifth-place finish in 2025-26. Iraola’s appointment has generated excitement, but his limited experience managing a team involved in European competition has also raised questions among sections of the fanbase.
One positive has been Liverpool’s attacking output. The Reds have scored seven goals across friendlies against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds, although they have also conceded six times, highlighting the defensive issues that still need addressing.
Anfield has generally remained a difficult venue for opponents. Liverpool have lost only two of their last 18 home matches, though six of those games ended in draws and they won just one of their final four matches at Anfield in 2025-26.
Monaco seeking confidence before European playoff
Monaco arrive on Merseyside looking to build momentum before a crucial start to their competitive season.
The French side finished seventh in Ligue 1 last season, a reminder of how far they have fallen since their memorable 2016-17 title-winning campaign. Their season begins on August 20 with the first leg of a Conference League playoff, followed by a league opener against Le Havre three days later.
Former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid defender Filipe Luis is now in charge of Les Rouge et Blanc. Victory at Anfield would give Monaco the advantage in the clubs’ head-to-head record, with each side currently holding one win.
Monaco’s pre-season has been mixed but encouraging in attack. They have won two, drawn one and lost one of their four friendlies, scoring eight goals while conceding six.
Away form remains a concern. The visitors are attempting to avoid a third consecutive away defeat and are searching for only their second win in six matches on the road.
Team news
Liverpool have welcomed almost their entire squad back to Merseyside. Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker and Cody Gakpo were all left out of the club’s United States tour but are expected to feature at some stage against Monaco.
New signing Victor Munoz has also returned following his World Cup break and could make his Anfield debut.
There are fitness concerns surrounding Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni. If either is unavailable, Mor Talla Ndiaye may partner Van Dijk in central defence.
Monaco are expected to field a side similar to the one that faced Getafe in their previous friendly. Eric Dier and Sadibou Sane are both options in defence.
Midfielder Lamine Camara, who has been linked with Liverpool this summer, is set to start for the visitors alongside Pape Cabral.
Former Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino remains unavailable due to a knee injury, so Monaco’s attack is likely to feature Matthis Abline, Mathys Detourbet and Mika Biereth.
Match prediction
Liverpool’s attacking quality should create problems for Monaco, especially with several senior players returning to the squad. However, the Reds have looked vulnerable defensively throughout pre-season, and Monaco possess enough pace and movement in forward areas to take advantage.
With Anfield expected to provide a strong atmosphere and Liverpool eager to restore confidence after the defeat to Leeds, the hosts may just have enough to edge an entertaining contest.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-2 Monaco
