Liverpool vs Real Betis prediction: A new era unofficially begins
The Arne Slot era as Liverpool manager begins with a pre-season friendly against Real Betis on Saturday at 12:30am (UK time).
Liverpool vs Real Betis prediction: A new era unofficially begins
Liverpool vs Real Betis latest prediction
Jurgen Klopp dropped a bombshell earlier this year when he announced his departure from Liverpool after the 2023/25 season. The affable German coach mentioned that his energy reserves were depleted entirely after nine successful years.
While the chase for a final Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup glory failed, Liverpool still managed to send Klopp on his well-earned break with another EFL Cup winner’s medal, in addition to the immediate return of the Champions League to Anfield.
Once the in-demand Xabi Alonso confirmed staying at the newly crowned Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and talks with Rúben Amorim led nowhere, the new-look Liverpool hierarchy — spearheaded by the returning Michael Edwards as Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of Football — appointed former Eredivisie-winning boss Arne Slot to be Klopp’s successor.
Liverpool take on Real Betis at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Saturday at 12:30am (UK time).
Slot had a tough start to live as Liverpool manager, losing 1-0 in a behind-closed-doors game against Preston North End last Friday. Even with players like Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai, the team couldn’t stop their Championship opponents.
The former’s contractual situation — as well as those of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk — means that Liverpool have been unusually quiet on the transfer front this summer. That said Slot will still have a surfeit of established Reds performers at his disposal in their USA tour which begins against La Liga outfit Real Betis.
Real Betis finished seventh in La Liga last season— during which they became draw specialists with 15 to their name; only Mallorca (16) were involved in more draw. They should offer a sturdy test, having begun their preseason schedule with a 5–1 win over Austria Salzburg.
Liverpool latest team news
Liverpool boarded their transatlantic flight without several players who had been representing their countries in Euro 2024 and Copa América. Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz, Alisson, Alexis Mac Allister, Joe Gomez, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota, Ibrahima Konaté and Ryan Gravenberch will all join the squad at a later date.
Jayden Danns and Bobby Clark have been excluded due to injuries, while Hungary’s Szoboszlai and Scotland’s Andy Robertson are expected to start in Pittsburgh after their early Euros exits.
Despite being absent for the Preston loss amidst transfer rumours, second-choice goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher is included in the squad. Ben Doak and Fábio Carvalho could support Salah in the Reds’ attacking trio.
Real Betis latest team news
This match will see Adrián reunite with his former team, Liverpool, just weeks after rejoining Betis on a free transfer. However, Rui Silva is expected to start as the goalkeeper.
Former Leicester City forward Ayoze Pérez was part of Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 squad and is absent, while Germán Pezzella became a Copa América gold medallist with Argentina. Johnny Cardoso competed in the same tournament with the USA.
Due to Olympic duty, Abde Ezzalzouli (Morocco) and Juan Miranda (Spain) are unavailable. Betis’ creator-in-chief, Isco, is currently recovering from a fibula fracture. Consequently, Nabil Fekir, a former Liverpool target, will take on the playmaking role at number 10.
Liverpool vs Real Betis head-to-head
This friendly sees Liverpool and Real Betis reunite almost 19 years after their inaugural battles in the 2005/06 Champions League group stage, where the Reds edged a tight contest 2–1 away from home before the Verdiblancos dug in for a goalless draw at Anfield.
| Liverpool vs Real Betis H2H | |||||||
| Date | Score | Ground | |||||
| 23 Nov 2005 | Liverpool 0-0 Real Betis | Anfield, Liverpool | |||||
| 13 Sep 2005 | Real Betis 1-2 Liverpool | Manuel Ruiz de Lopera, Sevilla | |||||
How to watch Liverpool vs Real Betis live
Liverpool vs Real Betis takes place on Saturday at 12:30am (UK time) and will be broadcast live on LFC TV.
