Iraola seeks first victory at Anfield: prediction for Liverpool vs Monaco
The pre-season clash between Liverpool and Monaco will take place this Sunday at Anfield, serving as another crucial test for both sides ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. The Merseysiders will be eager to bounce back after a 2-4 defeat to Leeds, while the Monegasques arrive following a narrow 1-0 win over Getafe.
Liverpool: explosive attack still can't mask defensive issues
In their previous friendly, Andoni Iraola’s side delivered a near-perfect first half against Leeds, heading into the break with a 2-0 lead. However, a slew of second-half substitutions noticeably weakened the Reds’ game: the opposition struck four goals, handing Liverpool’s new manager his first defeat.
Iraola himself called the match the most informative of the entire pre-season - and there’s certainly plenty to analyze. Across three friendlies against Sunderland, Wrexham, and Leeds, the Merseysiders have scored seven but conceded six, and with the Premier League opener looming on August 23 against Newcastle United, the new coaching staff must quickly stabilize the squad after Arne Slot’s dismissal. Slot had finished last season fifth with 60 points, so there’s little time to waste.
Monaco: French side gearing up for European return
Monaco wrapped up last Ligue 1 season in seventh place - the club’s third-worst finish since their return to the French top flight in 2013/14. Now led by former Chelsea and Atlético defender Filipe Luís, the Monegasques will look to restore their competitive edge both domestically and in Europe.
This summer, Monaco played four friendlies, picking up two wins, a draw, and a loss. They scored eight and conceded six, but their away form remains a concern: the side is at risk of a third straight defeat on the road, having won just one of their last five away matches. Up next: the first leg of the Conference League play-off on August 20, followed by a Ligue 1 showdown against Le Havre three days later.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Liverpool have scored seven and conceded six goals in their three pre-season games against Sunderland, Wrexham, and Leeds.
- Monaco played four friendlies this summer: two wins, one draw, and one loss with a goal difference of 8:6.
- In previous head-to-head meetings, each team has one win, so victory here will tip the balance in favor of one side.
Key players return to boost the hosts: Liverpool vs Monaco prediction
The return of Alisson and Van Dijk should shore up Liverpool’s defense, which looked shaky in the second half against Leeds. Meanwhile, the Reds’ attack already appears sharp and productive. Monaco can cause problems, but their away form is unconvincing. At Anfield, the home advantage should prove decisive.
