Liverpool vs Como – News and Probable Lineups

On Thursday evening at Anfield, Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool will take on Cesc Fabregas’s Como, marking both teams’ last friendly match of the pre-season.

This fixture serves as the second part of a double-header involving both clubs, who will also have a closed-door clash a few hours prior to the gates opening for fans.

Match overview

The style of play under Iraola has been visibly effective throughout Liverpool’s summer friendlies, as evidenced by the astonishing total of 18 goals scored across the hosts’ four pre-season matches.

Liverpool has found the back of the net in every one of these matches, yet recurring defensive vulnerabilities have emerged in recent weeks, culminating in consecutive defeats against Leeds United and Mônaco.

In both losses, Liverpool initially jumped to two-goal advantages only to falter shortly afterward; against Mônaco, their two-goal lead was reversed by comeback efforts from Aleksandr Golovin, Mika Biereth, and, crucially in the 88th minute, Paris Brunner.

To address these issues, the Reds have bolstered their defence with the acquisition of Barcelona’s centre-back Ronald Araujo on loan, who is set to make his debut at Anfield on August 16.

Cesc Fabregas, a former key player at Barcelona, returns north after an emotional turn at the Emirates on Wednesday, where his Como squad managed to earn a point against Premier League titleholders Arsenal.

A fortunate moment for Myles Lewis-Skelly paved the way for an equalizer from Martin Baturina, although Como ultimately fell to Arsenal in a penalty shootout; Alvaro Morata was among those who missed a spot-kick saved by David Raya.

Despite the penalty shootout setback, Fabregas, who received a warm welcome in North London, has guided Como through an unbeaten pre-season, highlighted by two victories and three draws.

There has been no shortage of entertainment for the upcoming Champions League participants, as Como has both scored and conceded in all five of their pre-season fixtures, netting a total of 10 goals while allowing seven.

For the first time ever, Liverpool and Como will meet in any capacity, and the two fixtures on Sunday could foreshadow potential Champions League matchups – whether that be one, two, or even more – involving the Premier League and Serie A teams in the coming months.

Team News

Heading into the new season, Liverpool’s injury list is extensive, with Joe Gomez (muscle), Giovanni Leoni (ACL), Jayden Danns (thigh), Hugo Ekitike (Achilles), and Conor Bradley (knee) all ruled out for the match.

Nevertheless, both Jeremy Jacquet (knee) and Curtis Jones (hip) have been spotted training leading up to this double-header, as has Alexis Mac Allister, who recently returned from Argentina’s journey to the World Cup final.

Araujo is also undergoing training and is anticipated to partner with captain Virgil van Dijk, hinting at what is likely to be Iraola’s preferred central defensive duo for the 2026-27 season.

Regarding Como, their star playmaker Nico Paz was seen taking photos at the Emirates but did not play in the match against Arsenal; it remains uncertain if the Argentine will be involved here.

Former Real Madrid talent – 6ft 5in defender Jacobo Ramon linked to Arsenal – is set to anchor the defense, but Morata might find himself replaced by Anastasios Douvikas for the centre-forward position.

Liverpool probable starting XI:

Alisson; Frimpong, Araujo, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Wake

Como probable starting XI:

Butez; Couto, Ramon, Kempf, Valle; Da Cunha, Perrone; Liberali, Baturina, Diao; Douvikas

While both teams may be in contention on Sunday, it’s likely that both Iraola and Fabregas will reserve their key players for when supporters are present.

It’s a safe bet that both teams will find the net in this evening’s clash, where a Liverpool lineup that closely resembles their strong squad can conclude their pre-season positively.