Liverpool’s pre-season comes to an unusual conclusion on Sunday as Andoni Iraola’s side face Como twice in the space of a single day.

The first meeting takes place at the AXA Training Centre at 11:30am before the two sides meet again at Anfield at 6pm, giving Iraola the chance to give virtually his entire squad another competitive run-out before the new campaign begins. 

Here are five things to keep an eye on.

The morning fixture is expected to provide another opportunity for Liverpool’s fringe players and younger members of the squad to impress.

Players who have featured heavily throughout pre-season have already given Iraola plenty to think about, but with places in the competitive squad now becoming increasingly important, another strong performance could make a difference.

For some of the academy players involved, this could be their final opportunity to force their way into the manager’s plans before the Premier League season begins.

The second fixture at Anfield should provide a clearer indication of how Liverpool’s strongest side is taking shape.

Iraola has been gradually reintegrating his senior players following their extended breaks, while Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and others continue to build their fitness.

With the Newcastle opener now just a week away, the priority will be getting important players closer to the physical level required for competitive football.

There has already been plenty to like about the early relationship between Isak and Wirtz.

Isak scored twice against Monaco in Liverpool’s previous pre-season fixture, while Wirtz has repeatedly looked dangerous in his new surroundings.

Another opportunity to watch the pair together will be one of the biggest attractions of the Anfield fixture.

The 3-2 defeat to Monaco provided another reminder that Liverpool still have work to do defensively.

Iraola has openly acknowledged that his team cannot yet sustain the intensity he wants for 90 minutes, while Ronald Araujo’s arrival on loan from Barcelona has provided a timely boost to his defensive options.

Como should provide another useful test of Liverpool’s organisation, particularly when the intensity drops.

Ultimately, that is what today is all about.

Liverpool’s Premier League campaign begins against Newcastle United on August 23, meaning this is Iraola’s final opportunity to assess his squad in pre-season conditions. 

Two games against the same opponent give him something unusual: the chance to test different players, combinations and tactical approaches within the same day.

The result is secondary, what matters is whether Liverpool emerge from Sunday feeling more prepared for the real thing.

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