Liverpool XI vs Sunderland: Starting lineup and confirmed team news – London Evening Standard

Liverpool’s pre-season preparations took another step forward on Saturday as Jürgen Klopp’s side faced Sunderland in a friendly at the Stadium of Light. With the transfer window now open, the Reds are balancing squad auditions with behind-the-scenes business, and this fixture offered a chance to assess emerging talent alongside established names.

Lineup and team news: what changed on the day

The Evening Standard confirmed the Liverpool XI hours before kick-off, with Klopp opting for a blend of first-team regulars and promising youngsters. Alisson started in goal, flanked by Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold at full-back. Virgil van Dijk partnered Ibrahima Konaté in central defence, while Curtis Jones lined up alongside Ryan Gravenberch in midfield. Mohamed Salah led the attack, supported by Luis Díaz and Harvey Elliott. Darwin Núñez completed the front three, giving Klopp a potent strike force to test Sunderland’s backline.

Sunderland, managed by Tony Mowbray, fielded a similarly mixed side, with Ellis Short and Dan Neil among those featuring. The Black Cats’ approach mirrored Liverpool’s, using the fixture to blood academy products and trialists while gauging fitness levels ahead of their own competitive campaign.

Why this friendly matters in the bigger picture

Pre-season friendlies rarely decide league titles, but they provide early signals about squad direction. Liverpool’s summer has already seen Jeremy Jacquet arrive from Lyon, and his integration could be accelerated by minutes against Sunderland. The Reds are also monitoring several transfer targets, with Maghnes Akliouche and Bradley Barcola among those linked in recent weeks. Mirror Football’s live blog highlighted Liverpool’s pursuit of Barcola, a move that would further tighten the race with Arsenal for the winger’s signature.

Meanwhile, Sunderland’s involvement reflects their own rebuilding phase under Mowbray. The Black Cats are navigating Championship expectations while preparing for a campaign where squad depth will be crucial. Their willingness to schedule this fixture—amid ongoing transfer activity—suggests a pragmatic approach to preseason, balancing commercial opportunities with competitive sharpness.

Tactical snapshot: how Klopp approached the game

Klopp’s side dominated possession, as expected, but Sunderland’s compact shape limited clear-cut chances. The Reds probed with quick transitions, using Díaz and Elliott to stretch play, while Konaté and Van Dijk provided composure under pressure. Jones and Gravenberch dictated tempo in midfield, though Sunderland’s midblock frustrated sustained attacks. Salah and Núñez combined well in the final third, but Sunderland’s defensive structure prevented decisive moments.

Sunderland’s approach relied on counter-movements, with Neil and Ross Stewart testing Liverpool’s high line. The visitors’ willingness to play out from defence contrasted with Sunderland’s direct style, creating a tactical contrast that offered both teams lessons ahead of their domestic campaigns.

For Liverpool, the friendly served as a useful checkpoint. With the transfer window now open, every minute counts—not just for established stars, but for those pushing for minutes. Sunderland, meanwhile, used the fixture to assess their options in a competitive environment. Neither side will overanalyse a friendly, but the early returns suggest both are heading in the right direction.