BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND - Wednesday, July 12, 2017: Liverpool's new No. 9 Roberto Firmino in action against Tranmere Rovers during a preseason friendly match at Prenton Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Reds look to build on impressive pre-season opener – Wigan Athletic vs. Liverpool Preview

After their 4-0 victory away to Tranmere Rovers on Wednesday, Liverpool continue pre-season with a trip to take on Wigan Athletic on Friday night.

Wigan Athletic vs. Liverpool

Friday, July 14, 2017 – 7.30pm (BST)
DW Stadium
Pre-Season Friendly (2)

Goals from James Milner, Marko Grujic, Pedro Chirivella and Ben Woodburn capped an impressive start to the summer for Jurgen Klopp‘s side at Prenton Park.

The German fielded two different lineups in Birkenhead, providing all of his available players with a much-needed runout as they prepare for the 2017/18 campaign.

Triumphant against their National League opposition, the Reds will now take a step up in clashing with Paul Cook’s League One hopefuls.

It promises to be another interesting encounter for Liverpool, rounding off their two-game domestic jaunt before flying out to Hong Kong for the Premier League Asia Trophy.

 

Who is Available For Liverpool?

Klopp left out Simon Mignolet, Adam Lallana, Ovie Ejaria and Philippe Coutinho on Wednesday night, with the late arrivals still working on their fitness.

They should all come into consideration against Wigan, however, along with Mohamed Salah, who has now received his work permit after a short trip to Paris.

Danny Ward, Nathaniel Clyne, Alberto Moreno and Harry Wilson all miss out with minor injuries, but Dejan Lovren and Divock Origi have both been passed fit.

Sadio Mane is ruled out, as he continues his recovery from a knee problem, while Danny Ings is unlikely to feature either and Emre Can is still away.

Lucas Leiva is expected to miss out as he considered a £5 million move to Lazio.

Otherwise, the Reds should travel to Greater Manchester with a similar squad to their midweek victory.

Likely Squad vs. Wigan

Goalkeepers: Mignolet, Karius, Grabara

Defenders: Matip, Lovren, Klavan, Gomez, Milner, Flanagan, Alexander-Arnold, Randall

Midfielders: Henderson, Lallana, Wijnaldum, Grujic, Chirivella, Stewart, Ejaria

Forwards: Firmino, Sturridge, Solanke, Origi, Coutinho, Salah, Ojo, Markovic, Kent, Woodburn

 

Wigan Athletic

WIGAN, ENGLAND - Sunday, July 17, 2016: Liverpool's Oviemuno Ejaria in action against Wigan Athletic during a pre-season friendly match at the DW Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Wigan endured a frustrating 2016/17 campaign, suffering relegation at the first time of asking—finishing 23rd in the Championship having taken 42 points from 46 games.

They spent a turbulent season that saw them play under three managers, firstly Gary Caldwell, then Warren Joyce, and finally Graham Barrow, who was replaced by Cook at the end of May.

Cook has overseen a changing of the guard this summer so far, with big names Jussi Jaaskelainen, Gabriel Obertan and ex-Reds left-back Stephen Warnock all released and four new players brought in.

The latest arrival is promising English goalkeeper Christian Walton, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, who follows Adam Bogdan as the Latics’ latest temporary arrival between the sticks.

Ex-Man United midfielder Nick Powell and terrace sensation Will Grigg remain part of the squad for 2017/18.

 

This Game Last Season

WIGAN, ENGLAND - Sunday, July 17, 2016: Liverpool's Ben Woodburn scores the second goal against Wigan Athletic during a pre-season friendly match at the DW Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Wigan Athletic 0-2 Liverpool – Pre-Season Friendly – July 17, 2016

The Reds’ trip to the DW Stadium this time last summer saw Ben Woodburn score his second senior goal, preluding a campaign that secured his place as Liverpool’s youngest competitive goalscorer.

Ings had broken the deadlock in the 71st minute, before Woodburn sent the ball past Lee Nicholls to seal a 2-0 victory, building on a 1-0 win over Tranmere and a 5-0 triumph at Fleetwood Town.

Loris Karius, Joel Matip and Connor Randall all played 90 minutes, while Coutinho shone on his first outing of pre-season.

Lazar Markovic was also in impressive form, interchanging with Trent Alexander-Arnold, but would join Sporting CP on loan a month later, as Klopp utilised the first friendlies to test some fringe players.

 

Is the Game on TV?

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 8, 2015: A television camera blocks the view of the goal during the FA Cup 6th Round Quarter-Final match between Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

As with Wednesday’s clash with Tranmere, Liverpool’s second pre-season friendly will be shown live on LFCTV, with coverage beginning at 7pm (BST). Kickoff is at 7.30pm.

This is Anfield will once again be providing updates throughout the evening, with our live blog bringing you the latest from the DW from 6.45pm.

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