Preview: Liverpool vs Yokohama F Marinos - prediction, team news, lineups

Building towards their return to Premier League action next month, Liverpool will face Yokohama F Marinos in a friendly at Nissan Stadium on Wednesday.

Speculation continues to swirl about a potential Reds move for Alexander Isak, but latest striker signing Hugo Ekitike could make his debut in this clash.

Match preview

Arne Slot's Liverpool are building fitness and bedding in their new stars in preseason, and the manager will be hoping to see a better defensive performance in this week's match.

On Saturday, the Reds were beaten 4-2 by AC Milan in Hong Kong, and the English champions conceded a number of goals from counter-attacks, especially down their right-hand side.

That being said, midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Luca Stephenson were utilised out of position in the backline, while the fourth goal was an unfortunate mix-up between left-back Kostas Tsimikas and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Additionally, club and Premier League-record signing Florian Wirtz made his debut last time out, and his link-up with Mohamed Salah and 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha made for an exciting watch for fans.

This time around, Liverpool will be looking to establish on-field chemistry between new centre-forward Ekitike and his teammates.

Meanwhile, Hideo Oshima's Yokohama are preparing for their return to J1 League action next week, and they will be keen to build match sharpness.

Last time out, Marinos followed up their 1-0 derby day triumph over Yokohama FC by beating Nagoya Grampus 3-0 on July 20, thanks to goals from Kaina Tanimura, Yan Matheus and Asahi Uenaka.

That victory brought Oshima's relegation-threatened side up to 18th place, where they are now three behind Shonan Bellmare and safety in the top flight.

Playing on their own turf this week, the hosts will be hoping to defy their home record that features just two wins to go with their eight defeats across their last 10 games.

Additionally, it is notable that Yokohama have failed to score in three of their four most recent matches at Nissan Stadium, and the manager will be looking to work on his team's offensive output before the league resumes.

Liverpool Friendlies form:

Yokohama F Marinos form (all competitions):

Team News

Liverpool may hand a debut to Hugo Ekitike, and he could start alongside Mohamed Salah and youngster Rio Ngumoha on Wednesday, while Luis Diaz has left the squad to seal a move to Bayern Munich.

Just behind them will likely be Florian Wirtz, and Alexis Mac Allister could get a run out if he is available after returning to full team training.

Slot has used midfielders in the backline in each pre-season game so far, and Luca Stephenson could appear at centre-back once again in Yokohama.

As for Yokohama, they could be without right-back Ren Kato after he picked up an injury against Grampus, and Ryo Miyaichi could deputise this week.

Up top, Kaina Nakamura is likely to make the XI, but if his injury keeps him out of action, then Asahi Uenaka could start on Wednesday.

Liverpool possible starting lineup:

Mamardashvili; Bradley, Stephenson, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Salah, Ekitike, Ngumoha

Yokohama F Marinos possible starting lineup:

Ik-Kyu; Miyaichi, Quinones, Deng, Suzuki; Yamane, Aziangbe; Matheus, Inoue, Elber; Taniumra