Liverpool fans will get to see Andoni Iraola at the helm for the first time when the Reds take on Sunderland at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee – home of Major League Soccer side Nashville SC – on Saturday night as part of their preparations for the new season.
Iraola was appointed last month to replace Arne Slot, and the 44-year-old manager faces the daunting task of leading Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League food chain this upcoming season. After winning the English top-flight title in 2024-25, the Reds failed to defend their crown, having finished fifth in the standings.
Meanwhile, Sunderland surprised everyone with their seventh-place finish in their first season back in the top-flight. Regis Le Bris deserves credit for helping the Black Cats defy the Premier League 2026 odds, but they will face the burden of slightly higher expectations this time around.
Before we get into this fun club friendly, SBOTOP has the latest Premier League 2026 news.
World Cup stars will sit this one out
Liverpool and Sunderland both won’t be at full strength this weekend in Nashville, Tennessee, as they will be without their World Cup players. FIFA recently mandated a 21-day break for those whose teams made deep runs in the quadrennial tournament. For the Reds, they’ll miss Cody Gakpo, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Alisson, Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Victor Munoz. As for the Black Cats, they’ll be without Brian Brobbey, Robin Roefs, Omar Alderete, Granit Xhaka, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi, and Nilson Angulo.
Liverpool recently departed from their training base in Chicago at John Lennon Airport. Iraola’s group comprises: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman, Vitezslav Jaros, Bailey Hall, Harvey Davies, Joe Gomez, Jeremy Jacquet, Milos Kerkez, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Kostas Tsimikas, Jeremie Frimpong, Luke Chambers, Calvin Ramsay, Calum Scanlon, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Trey Nyoni, Josh Abe, Stefan Bajcetic, James McConnell, Kieran Morrison, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike, Lewis Koumas, Rio Ngumoha, Will Wright, and Josh Sonni-Lambie.
Meanwhile, this will be Sunderland’s second club friendly, following their 5-1 win over York City last week. And their squad comprises: Melker Ellborg, Simon Moore, Ben Metcalf, Reinildo Mandava, Luke O’Nien, Nordi Mukiele, Trai Hume, Jenson Seelt, Leo Hjelde, Aji Alese, Ben Kindon, Archie Lightfoot, Chris Rigg, Alan Browne, Timur Tutierov, Enzo Le Fee, Jocelin Ta Bi, Charlie Dinsdale, Jack Whittaker, Harrison Jones, Tom Proctor. Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi, and Finn Geragusyan.
Notable transfers for both sides this summer
As far as their summer window goes, Liverpool and Sunderland haven’t done much thus far. After spending nearly half a billion last offseason, Liverpool focused on getting younger this time around by parting ways with Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate, and club legend Mohamed Salah. In return, they paid around €100 million to pry Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz away from Rennes and Osasuna, respectively.
Munoz was among Osasuna’s top scorers last season with six league goals and two assists. The 23-year-old forward received a World Cup call-up from Spain, but he didn’t play a single minute in their title-winning run. Jacquet joined Liverpool on a five-year contract to replace Konate. The 21-year-old centre-back was wanted by many clubs across Europe.
Iraola admitted recently that the Reds need another winger, especially after Salah left. He also said he’s keen to keep Alexis Mac Allister and Alisson, amid speculation they could leave Anfield.
As for Sunderland, they got rid of a lot of deadwood, namely Bertrand Traore, Dennis Cirkin, Harrison Jones, Dan Neil, and Eliezer Mayenda. In return, they signed veteran full-back Thomas Meunier on a two-year deal following his departure from Lille.
Sunderland reportedly have their eyes on Elliott
A big backdrop for this club friendly is Harvey Elliott, who is back with Liverpool after a difficult loan stint with Aston Villa and is reportedly being coveted by Sunderland. The 23-year-old midfielder will have all the incentive to go all-out in Nashville this weekend.
Saturday’s game is like an audition for Elliott, whom head coach Andoni Iraola is inclined to give a shot. If he does well, Elliott could either be reintegrated with Liverpool or Sunderland will likely have to pay more for his services if the Reds plan to sell him. Besides Sunderland, Leeds United, Crystal Palace, and Coventry City are also reportedly monitoring Elliott, who’s valued at around €35-40 million.
After this weekend’s club friendly, Liverpool will face Wrexham, Leeds United, AS Monaco, and Como before opening their campaign against Newcastle United. Sunderland will face Leeds United, Wrexham, RC Lens (twice), and Rennes next before opening their campaign against Ipswich Town.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
