Liverpool round off their USA pre-season schedule against Leeds United on Sunday, with Andoni Iraola’s side just three weeks away from their Premier League opener against Newcastle United. Here are the biggest storylines to keep an eye on.
Pre-season is almost over. After weeks of tactical work, fitness sessions and experimentation, Liverpool’s meeting with Leeds United represents the final opportunity for Andoni Iraola to fine-tune his side before competitive football returns.
While the result itself will quickly be forgotten, the performance could offer the clearest indication yet of what supporters can expect when the Premier League season begins.
Here are five things to watch.
Iraola’s strongest XI begins to emerge
Liverpool have rotated heavily throughout pre-season, giving opportunities to senior players returning from the World Cup alongside several academy prospects.
Against Leeds, however, supporters should get a much clearer idea of Iraola’s preferred starting XI.
With Newcastle United waiting next weekend, this feels like the closest thing Liverpool will have to a dress rehearsal.
Wirtz and Isak continue building momentum
Few players will attract more attention than Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
Both have only recently returned to the squad following their World Cup commitments, and every minute they spend on the pitch is another step towards full match sharpness.
Liverpool will hope the pair continue developing their understanding with the rest of Iraola’s attack before the season gets underway.
Has Liverpool found its new identity?
Iraola and Dominik Szoboszlai have both spoken about bringing back the aggression and energy Liverpool felt was missing last season.
Against Leeds, supporters should look beyond the scoreline and instead focus on the pressing, organisation and speed of Liverpool’s play.
Those details matter far more than the final result.
One final chance for the youngsters
Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni, Lewis Koumas and several other academy players have all enjoyed encouraging summers.
Competition for places will become considerably tougher once the Premier League campaign begins, making this one final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the coaching staff.
For some, it could determine whether they remain around the first-team squad or head out on loan.
Defensive questions remain
Liverpool’s attack appears to be taking shape, but there are still questions defensively.
Joe Gomez remains unavailable through injury, while Conor Bradley continues working his way back to fitness.
How Liverpool cope defensively against Leeds could provide another clue as to whether further reinforcements are needed before the transfer window closes.
The next time Liverpool take to the field after their pre-season is wrapped up, the points will matter and with bedding in time closing, that makes this afternoon’s fixture more significant than any other pre-season outing. It is one of the final rehearsal before the real business begins.
