Liverpool have confirmed a change to Sunday’s pre-season schedule, with the Reds set to face Como twice on the same day.
The behind-closed-doors fixture, which was originally scheduled to kick off at midday, will now begin 30 minutes earlier at 11:30am BST.
The second meeting between the two clubs will then take place at Anfield in front of supporters, with kick-off remaining at 6pm BST.
Two games, one busy day for Liverpool
It is an unusual but potentially very useful way for Liverpool to conclude their pre-season preparations.
Two matches against the same opposition will give Andoni Iraola the opportunity to give virtually his entire squad valuable minutes before the competitive season begins.
The early fixture will take place behind closed doors, meaning supporters won’t be able to watch the game from Anfield.
But attention will quickly turn towards the main event later in the day.
Como at Anfield
The 6pm fixture will give Liverpool supporters their opportunity to see the Reds in action at Anfield before the start of the new season.
And there could be plenty to look forward to.
Liverpool have undergone significant changes this summer, with new faces arriving and Iraola attempting to implement his style of football.
The Como friendly could therefore be an important final test.
A chance for the new signings
The two matches could also provide valuable minutes for Liverpool’s new arrivals.
Ronald Araújo and Jeremy Jacquet are both expected to be available and could make their Liverpool debuts against Como.
That would give supporters their first opportunity to see Araújo in a Liverpool shirt, while Jacquet will be hoping to make an impression after officially joining first-team training at the AXA.
There could also be opportunities for some of Liverpool’s younger players to stake their claim.
Why play twice?
Playing two matches on the same day might seem unusual, but it makes perfect sense during pre-season.
Iraola needs to build fitness across his squad while also getting his preferred players ready for competitive football.
The early game allows another group of players to get minutes, while the evening fixture provides the Anfield crowd with a final opportunity to see the team before the season begins.
It also reduces the risk of asking the same players to play excessive minutes in one match.
Sunday schedule
11:30am BST — Liverpool vs Como
Behind closed doors
6:00pm BST — Liverpool vs Como
Anfield — supporters present
It’s going to be a busy Sunday for Iraola and his players.
But with the competitive season getting closer, these final minutes could prove extremely valuable.
Two games. One day. One final chance for Liverpool to prepare. 🔴
And for supporters attending Anfield at 6pm, it could be the first chance to see some of Iraola’s new-look Liverpool side take shape.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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