Liverpool forwards combine to earn pre-season win

Liverpool began their pre-season with a 4-2 comeback win over Karlsruher, with four of the Reds' forwards combining to score their goals.

Darwin Nunez, wearing the No 9 shirt he inherited from Roberto Firmino, gave Liverpool the lead after being set up by Mohamed Salah.

Jurgen Klopp handed Dominik Szoboszlai his first appearance in a Liverpool shirt, and opted to play Trent Alexander-Arnold in a deep-lying midfield position, which will be of interest to Fantasy Premier League managers who might be tempted to select the defender, despite his £8.0m price tag.

Pick Alexander-Arnold in your 2023/24 FPL squad

Alexander-Arnold was able to show his passing range in the first half from this position, and thought he had provided an assist when his corner found Virgil van Dijk to score, but the goal was disallowed.

Karlsruher goals either side of half-time put Liverpool behind, but they continued to impress going forward and were level 21 minutes from time.

Cody Gakpo converted from close range after being set up by Diogo Jota, before the two swapped roles, with the Dutchman turning provider to Jota in the second minute of stoppage time to put Liverpool ahead.

Jota added his second after Alexis Mac Allister had won the ball high up the pitch and played him in.

Jordan Henderson was not included in the matchday squad amid reports that he is close to joining Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, while Fabinho did not travel to Germany at all amidst links of a move to Al-Ittihad.

“In the end, all of these decisions are made by me. And because I respect the players a lot, it’s usually with consent. It was in this case, and it is all fine,” Klopp said after the match.

See: Liverpool match report

Van de Beek returns with a goal

Manchester United made it two pre-season wins out of two with a 1-0 victory over Lyon at Murrayfield.

Mason Mount started again while Antony, Jaidon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez also featured.

Erik ten Hag changed the entire outfield team in the second half, with Jonny Evans, who signed a short-team deal on Tuesday, playing for the club for the first time since 2015.

However, it was another returning player who made the difference as Donny Van de Beek, who hadn't featured since January because of a knee injury, scoring a superb right-footed volley four minutes into the second half.

See: Man Utd's line-up and report

“It was great, my first game after six months,” Van De Beek told the club's website.

“I don’t have to tell you that after such an injury, it’s such a mentally difficult period for me and my family.

“To be back on the pitch, it was great. Of course, it’s nice if you score a goal as well but that wasn’t the most important thing, it’s an extra thing. It was just amazing too because I’ve been looking forward to this moment for months. I know it’s only a friendly game but, for me, it’s a big moment.”

See: Clubs' pre-season fixtures and results

Also in this series

Part 1: Positive signs for Postecoglou despite defeat on Spurs debut
Part 3: Young Chelsea stars impress as Pochettino starts with big win
Part 4: Havertz off the mark as Arsenal display their firepower