First pre-season friendly

With all players returning to Melwood to begin pre-season training this Thursday, Liverpool have their first pre-season friendly at the Racecourse Ground when they play Wrexham on Saturday.

Manager Rafa Benitez will not choose players who only return this week – all international players – so there will be a fringe and youth look about the squad. Senior players such as Steve Finnan, Jermaine Pennant and Momo Sissoko are expected to line-up alongside last season’s Youth Cup winning squad members Craig Lindfield, Jack Hobbs and Robbie Threlfall.

Other names likely to be included are Gabriel Paletta, Alvaro Arbeloa, Nabil El Zhar and Paul Anderson. A forgotten man of Anfield is also likely to be included, Anthony Le Tallec has been training with the squad since they returned last Thursday.

Kick off is 3pm on Saturday.