Liverpool's situation is fairly clear so far: they create plenty but allow their opponents almost as much. Seven goals from three friendlies is a good rate, while conceding six is already a reason to look at the defence. Monaco's picture is different. After an impressive 5:2 win over Saint-Priest, their attack has noticeably slowed down, scoring three goals in the following three matches. At Anfield, the hosts should face another good test before the season. This will be Andoni Iraola's first home match in charge of Liverpool.
Liverpool
Iraola has not taken long to reveal his ideas. Liverpool are looking to press higher, win the ball back more quickly and move it forward immediately. That has brought seven goals in three matches: wins over Sunderland (4:2) and Wrexham (1:0), followed by a defeat to Leeds (2:4). They already look dangerous going forward. There is far less order at the back — six conceded over the same period.
The squad is also important now. Van Dijk and Gakpo have already returned to training after the World Cup, while Jérémy Jacquet is also working with the team after recovering. Frimpong was taken off against Leeds because of discomfort, but no serious issue was found. New signing Víctor Muñoz could also get his first minutes against Monaco. Liverpool had a full week to prepare after their previous friendly, so we can expect a stronger line-up and fewer experiments at home.
Monaco
Monaco have already shown two different versions of themselves this summer. They began with a 5:2 win over Saint-Priest, then their attack suddenly slowed down: a defeat to Sporting (0:2), a draw with Cercle Brugge (2:2) and a win over Getafe (1:0). That leaves them with only three goals in their last three matches. Their defence has not been flawless either — four conceded.
There is also the schedule. Monaco played Getafe only three days before travelling to Liverpool. This schedule alone does not mean obligatory wholesale rotation, as there is still time before the start of Ligue 1. However, the hosts still have the advantage in terms of freshness, especially in the second half when substitutions begin and the tempo becomes disjointed. That matters more than it might seem in friendlies.
Liverpool vs Monaco Prediction
We do not want to invent an exact minute-by-minute scenario here. Liverpool will surely look to dominate possession and press higher, but their current defence could easily give Monaco chances. That is why a bet on a home win to nil looks unnecessary.
The -1 handicap is more appealing. Liverpool have already scored seven goals in three friendlies, had a week to prepare specifically for this match and will play at home for the first time under Iraola. Monaco arrive three days after their previous match and, after scoring five goals in their first friendly, have found the net only three times in their following three games. The hosts do not need to produce a perfect defensive performance. If their advantage in tempo and squad depth shows after the break, a two-goal margin is well within reach, while a one-goal win would result in a refund.
