Liverpool vs Athletic Bilbao: Will the Reds Dominate or Can Bilbao Shock Anfield? Ultimate 2025 Friendly Preview

This clash promises high-energy football, tactical intrigue, and a chance to see both teams fine-tune their squads ahead of the 2025-26 season.

With Liverpool under Arne Slot’s innovative management and Athletic Bilbao led by Ernesto Valverde’s tactical nous, this match is set to be a captivating encounter.

In this comprehensive guide, we dive into every detail—player profiles, recent form, team histories, betting odds, predictions, and where to watch—optimized for fans searching for Liverpool vs Athletic Bilbao 2025, friendly match preview, and betting tips.

Match Overview: Liverpool vs Athletic Bilbao Double-Header

• Date: August 4, 2025

• Time: First match at 5:00 PM BST (6:00 PM CEST), second match at 8:00 PM BST (9:00 PM CEST)

• Venue: Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England

• Competition: International Club Friendly

• Where to Watch: Live on LFCTV and streamed via All Reds Video (£4.99/month, one-month free trial available). Not televised in India.

This unique double-header format allows both teams to rotate squads, test young talents, and build fitness ahead of critical season openers—Liverpool’s Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace and Athletic Bilbao’s Champions League campaign.

Fans searching for Liverpool vs Athletic Bilbao live stream or Anfield friendly 2025 will find this match a must-watch.

Liverpool: The Reds’ Road to Redemption

Recent Form and Context

Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, have had a mixed pre-season under Arne Slot. A 3-1 victory over Yokohama F. Marinos showcased their attacking flair, with new signing Florian Wirtz scoring, but a 4-2 loss to AC Milan exposed defensive vulnerabilities.

Wins over Preston North End and Stoke City (5-0) indicate momentum, but the Reds have yet to keep a clean sheet in pre-season, conceding nine goals in their last four competitive games of 2024-25.

The emotional weight of Diogo Jota’s passing last month looms large. This will be Liverpool’s first home game since the tragedy, with tributes planned in the 20th minute.

The squad will wear badges honoring Jota, and the matchday program features him, making this a poignant return to Anfield.

Key Players to Watch

Liverpool’s squad is a blend of world-class stars, new signings, and emerging talents. Here’s a detailed look at their key players:

• Mohamed Salah (Forward): The Egyptian king remains Liverpool’s talisman, contributing to a goal in each of his last three starts. His pace and precision will test Bilbao’s defense.

• Florian Wirtz (Attacking Midfielder): The German star, signed this summer, scored against Yokohama and is expected to dazzle on his Anfield debut.

• Hugo Ekitike (Forward): The new signing aims to make a statement after a quiet debut. His physicality could exploit Bilbao’s high press.

• Virgil van Dijk (Defender): The defensive rock will be crucial in addressing Liverpool’s recent leaks at the back.

• Alexis Mac Allister (Midfielder): Back from injury, his creativity will drive Liverpool’s midfield, though he may not start due to limited fitness.

• Rio Ngumoha (Forward): The 16-year-old wonderkid stunned in the first match, scoring a sensational goal and earning rave reviews for his dribbling.

• Giorgi Mamardashvili (Goalkeeper): With Alisson absent for personal reasons, the young keeper aims to solidify his place.

Predicted Lineup (First Match, 4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.

Injuries/Concerns: Alisson (personal reasons), Joe Gomez (Achilles), Federico Chiesa (muscular issue). Darwin Núñez’s potential move to Saudi Arabia adds uncertainty.

Team History

Liverpool’s storied history includes 19 Premier League titles, eight FA Cups, and six Champions League trophies.

Their 2024-25 Premier League triumph, with 86 goals scored, cemented their attacking prowess. Anfield, with a capacity of 61,276, remains a fortress, with only one loss in 19 home league games last season.

Athletic Bilbao: Basque Pride on Display

Recent Form and Context

Athletic Bilbao, fresh off a fourth-place La Liga finish and a Europa League semi-final run, are gearing up for their first Champions League campaign since 2014-15.

However, their pre-season has been shaky, with three consecutive losses (1-0 to Deportivo Alavés, 1-2 to PSV Eindhoven, and 1-2 to Racing Santander). These results highlight defensive frailties and a lack of cutting edge, despite their high-intensity press led by Ernesto Valverde.

Key Players to Watch

Athletic Bilbao’s squad, adhering to their Basque-only policy, blends experience with youthful exuberance:

• Nico Williams (Winger): The electric winger, linked with Barcelona, is a game-changer with his pace and creativity.

• Iñaki Williams (Winger): Nico’s brother, his direct running and goal-scoring threat (notably against PSV) make him dangerous.

• Gorka Guruzeta (Forward): The striker leads Bilbao’s press, but his finishing needs sharpening.

• Oihan Sancet (Midfielder): The leading scorer last season, his ability to exploit transitions could trouble Liverpool’s defense.

• Unai Simón (Goalkeeper): The Spanish international’s shot-stopping will be key against Liverpool’s attack.

Predicted Lineup (First Match, 4-2-3-1): Simón; Ares, Lekue, Vivian, Boiro; Jauregizar, Vesga; I. Williams, Gomez, N. Williams; Guruzeta.

Injuries/Concerns: Athletic Bilbao have a clean bill of health, allowing Valverde to rotate freely across both matches.

Team History

Athletic Bilbao, with eight La Liga titles and 23 Copa del Rey trophies, are a Spanish football institution. Their Basque-only policy fosters a unique identity, and their fourth-place finish in 2024-25 secured Champions League qualification.

San Mamés, their home stadium, is a cauldron, but Anfield’s atmosphere will test their resolve.

Head-to-Head History

The teams have met four times competitively, with Liverpool holding a slight edge (two wins, one loss, one draw). Their last encounter, a 2021 friendly, ended 1-1 at Anfield.

In the 1983-84 European Cup, Liverpool won 1-0 away, thanks to Ian Rush, en route to the title. The 1968 Fairs Cup saw each team win 2-1 at home.

Tactical Analysis: What to Expect

Liverpool’s fluid 4-2-3-1 under Slot emphasizes dynamic wing play and central interplay, with Salah, Wirtz, and Gakpo overloading defenses. However, their high line remains vulnerable to counters, as seen against AC Milan.

Bilbao’s high press and transitional play, led by the Williams brothers, could exploit this, but their defensive inconsistencies may struggle against Liverpool’s firepower. Expect an open game with goals at both ends, especially in the first match where stronger lineups are likely.

Betting Odds and Predictions

Based on data from Oddspedia and 22Bet, Liverpool are favorites:

• 1X2 Odds: Liverpool @ 1.49, Draw @ 4.33, Athletic Bilbao @ 6.00

• Winner Probabilities: Liverpool 63.65%, Draw 23.09%, Athletic Bilbao 16.67%

• Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over @ 1.75 (high likelihood given both teams’ recent games)

• Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes @ 1.80 (Bilbao’s attack can nick a goal)

• Best Bet: Liverpool to win & BTTS @ 2.90 (combines Liverpool’s home strength with Bilbao’s counter-threat)

• Correct Score Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Athletic Bilbao (first match)

Betting Tips:

• Value Bet: Over 3.5 Goals @ 2.50, as seven of Liverpool’s last eight matches produced over three goals.

• Player Prop: Mohamed Salah to score @ 1.65, given his recent form.

• Risky Bet: Nico Williams to score @ 3.20, as his pace could exploit Liverpool’s high line.

For the best betting experience, check Bet365 or FanDuel for updated odds. Always gamble responsibly—visit GambleAware for support.

Where to Watch Liverpool vs Athletic Bilbao

• UK: Live on LFCTV and streamed via All Reds Video (£4.99/month, free trial available). Highlights on Liverpool’s YouTube post-match.

• India: Not televised, but streamable on All Reds Video.

• Global: Check Sofascore for live scores and commentary.

Why This Match Matters

For Liverpool, these friendlies are a final chance to gel before the Community Shield and Premier League title defense. The emotional tribute to Diogo Jota adds a layer of intensity, and young stars like Ngumoha could steal the show.

For Athletic Bilbao, it’s a test of their Champions League credentials against elite opposition. Fans searching for Liverpool vs Athletic Bilbao predictions, Anfield double-header, or pre-season betting tips will find this clash a perfect blend of passion and tactical intrigue.