The buzz is back on Merseyside, and Liverpool are rolling into the 2025–26 season like they’ve just downed a double espresso—twice. Fresh off a productive Asian tour capped by a 3–1 win over Yokohama F. Marinos, Arne Slot’s squad returns home, looking sharp, expensive, and not entirely synchronized. Monday’s rare pre-season double-header against Spanish giants Athletic Club isn’t just a scheduling oddity—it’s a full-blown test of depth, tactics, and muscle memory.
Why Liverpool Are Playing Two Matches in One Day (Yes, Really)
Double-headers usually scream Sunday league, where Pete from accounting plays center-back on a soggy pitch in Croydon. But Liverpool, never afraid to ruffle the orthodoxy, is using this format to maximum effect. Plenty of rotation will happen there with 2 matches of 90 minutes each scheduled consecutively at Anfield. It is like football speed dating—a chance at everybody, and the person does not get to linger long enough.
Liverpool Fans Get Twice the Wirtz, Hopefully Less of the Warts
Arne Slot’s midfield messiah, Florian Wirtz, bagged his debut goal in Japan, and people expect him to headline one of the lineups. Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitiké, another glimmering new toy, will look to settle in before the Community Shield showdown with Crystal Palace. Liverpool fans will finally see the new home kit too, which is, thankfully, more elegant than some of the defending we’ve witnessed this summer.
Look Ahead to Bigger Fights
The real business begins August 15 against Bournemouth, but Monday’s twin bill offers a chance to fine-tune without the pressure of three points. Slot will want cohesion, creativity, and perhaps a working set-piece routine. Athletic Club, no pushovers, are fresh off a Europa League semi-final run and face Arsenal next, so expect them to bring a bit of Iberian fire.
Because when Liverpool warms up, they don’t stretch—they go full gladiator. Twice.
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