Liverpool vs. Sunderland: Predicted XI and Team News for Pre-Season Friendly

Liverpool kicks off the Andoni Iraola era on Saturday with a pre-season friendly against Premier League rivals Sunderland at Nashville’s GEODIS Park, marking the start of a new tactical chapter for the club. According to club reports, the Reds will not field their strongest side as several key international players remain absent following recent tournament commitments.

Goalkeeping Decisions and Defensive Setup

Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to start in goal for Liverpool in Nashville. Alisson Becker stayed on Merseyside to train separately, leaving Freddie Woodman on the bench after the goalkeeper recently signed a contract extension.

In the defensive line, new arrival Jeremy Jacquet could join Joe Gomez at centre-back. Virgil van Dijk remains away from the squad, while fellow central defender Giovanni Leoni continues recovering from the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered on his debut in September 2025. On the flanks, Calvin Ramsay could earn a rare start at right-back due to an injury sidelining Conor Bradley. Meanwhile, Milos Kerkez is locked in for the left-back position after previously flourishing under Iraola at Bournemouth.

Midfield and Attacking Configurations

Ryan Gravenberch is scheduled to link up with the squad next week and will miss the Sunderland fixture. Wataru Endo is nearing a return from a major ankle injury, meaning supporters could see Curtis Jones and Trey Nyoni pair up in a double pivot.

Further forward, Florian Wirtz will join the Liverpool contingent only after the Nashville match concludes. However, Harvey Elliott is available to start in an attacking trio alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Rio Ngumoha, positioned behind the central striker.

Leading the Line in Nashville

Following the pattern of delayed arrivals, Sweden centre-forward Alexander Isak will join up with Liverpool after this friendly fixture. With Hugo Ekitike currently sidelined by an Achilles injury, 18-year-old Will Wright has a clear opportunity to lead the line as the central striker on Saturday.

Liverpool’s predicted starting lineup: Mamardashvili; Ramsay, Gomez, Jacquet, Kerkez; Nyoni, Jones; Szoboszlai, Elliott, Ngumoha; Wright.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is Liverpool playing Sunderland?

Liverpool faces Sunderland on Saturday in a pre-season friendly hosted at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee.

Why are players like Alexander Isak and Virgil van Dijk missing?

According to club disclosures, several players involved in late-summer international tournaments or extended recovery schedules are linking up with the squad at staggered dates following the Nashville match.

Who is managing Liverpool for this fixture?

Andoni Iraola takes charge of the team for Saturday’s match, beginning his tenure as Liverpool manager.