The vibrant city of Liverpool is set to witness an exciting International Club Friendly 2025 clash as Liverpool hosts Athletic Bilbao at the historic Anfield on August 4, 2025. Kickoff is scheduled for 19:00 CEST, with both clubs seeking to fine-tune their squads ahead of the competitive campaign. This encounter, under Arne Slot and Ernesto Valverde’s expert management, offers an ideal canvas for tactical innovation and a showcase of international football cultures.
Supporters at Anfield will be eager to observe two influential figures beyond the goalkeepers: Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s irrepressible talisman on the flanks, and Nico Williams, Athletic’s electric winger. Each provides their side with width, precision, and the creative spark necessary to unlock stubborn defenses.
A hot stat to note: Liverpool have scored at least two goals in five of their last seven matches, highlighting the attacking vibrancy Slot seeks to embed in his side.
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Liverpool vs Athletic Bilbao predictions
My best bet: Liverpool to win & Over 2.5 goals. Arne Slot’s men have found the net consistently, and while Athletic Bilbao possess counter-attacking menace, their defensive record has been shaky under recent pressure. Liverpool’s high pressing and superior individual quality, especially on home turf, suggest they should both dominate possession and carve out plentiful chances. Athletic’s willingness to commit men forward may open the door for a high-scoring affair.
Both clubs favor a proactive 4-2-3-1 shape, lending to a fast-paced and technically nuanced encounter. Liverpool average a higher possession percentage (often in the 60 percent range at Anfield), while Athletic are comfortable yielding the ball but dangerous on transition. Slightly elevated foul and yellow card tally from Athletic could disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm, presenting set-piece opportunities. Liverpool’s discipline and structured pressing, however, may allow them to dictate the game’s flow—expect Klopp-influenced ball recoveries and swift progressions into the final third.
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Prop picks by me:
- ⚽Total Goals: Over 2.5
- 💥Both Teams To Score: Yes
- 🎯Total Corners: Over 9.5
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🚨Read our full Liverpool vs Athletic Bilbao stats for more analysis.
Key Stats
- Liverpool have scored 2+ goals in five of their last seven matches across all competitions.
- Athletic Bilbao have conceded two or more goals in three of their last four outings.
- Average shot accuracy is markedly higher for Liverpool at home compared to Athletic’s away record.
- Both teams have consistently averaged over 10 fouls per match in their last five encounters.
- Mohamed Salah has contributed to at least one goal (goal or assist) in each of his last three starts.
Liverpool vs Athletic Bilbao score prediction: 3-1
Given the attacking form of Liverpool and defensive vulnerabilities shown by Athletic Bilbao recently, a 3-1 scoreline in favor of Liverpool stands out. Expect the likes of Salah and Darwin Núñez to thrive against an Athletic side that takes risks in transition, while Nico Williams’ pace could be Athletic’s best path to a response. Anfield’s energy, tactical cohesion under Slot, and depth from the bench further bolster Liverpool’s prospects of delivering a multi-goal display.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Liverpool the favourite
| Moneyline | Liverpool 1.65 | Athletic Bilbao 5.18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Draw | 3.76 | |
| Over/Under | Over 2.5 1.80 | Under 2.5 2.10 | |
| BTTS (both teams to score) | Yes 1.72 | No 2.06 | |
Bookmakers heavily favor Liverpool — a reflection of not only their pedigree at Anfield but recent results, squad valuation, and pressing intensity. Rich attacking resources, combined with Athletic’s inconsistent defensive displays and their lower overall win rate, justify these short odds. Over/Under and BTTS prices indicate the expectation for an open game and goals at both ends, which matches the tactical profiles on display.
Liverpool vs Athletic Bilbao Over/Under Analysis
- Liverpool: Four of last five matches finished with over 2.5 total goals.
- Athletic Bilbao: Three straight games gone over 2.5 total goals conceded.
- Liverpool scored first in six of their last eight matches at Anfield.
- Best value: Over 2.5 total goals (likelihood high, both teams possess attacking intent).
Liverpool Preview
Liverpool approach this friendly in strong scoring form, with two consecutive victories prior to a spirited loss against Milan. In their most recent match against Yokohama F Marinos, they secured a convincing 3-1 win, blending dynamic wing play with central interplay—a hallmark of Slot’s evolving system. The midfield double-pivot enables fluid ball circulation, and with creative players like Szoboszlai and Elliott supporting Salah and Núñez, Liverpool are set to challenge Bilbao’s backline through relentless overlapping and third-man runs.

Liverpool possible starting eleven
- GK: Alisson Becker
- DF: Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konaté, Robertson
- MF: Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Elliott
- FW: Salah, Núñez, Diaz
Athletic Bilbao Preview
Athletic Bilbao’s recent form raises concerns—three losses in their previous four suggest defensive frailties and an over-reliance on individual moments. In their last encounter, a narrow 1-2 defeat to Racing Santander, Valverde’s side struggled to contain transitions and conceded from set pieces. Their 4-2-3-1 system encourages verticality on the ball, with Nico Williams and Guruzeta spearheading counters, but their high-risk/medium-reward approach leaves vulnerabilities in midfield. To compete at Anfield, improved defensive organization and discipline will be imperative.

Athletic Bilbao possible starting eleven
- GK: Unai Simón
- DF: De Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche
- MF: Vesga, Prados, Sancet
- FW: N. Williams, Guruzeta, Muniain
The Verdict
The most likely outcome, as per our Tips.GG expert panel and AI prediction engine, is a Liverpool victory—winning probability estimated at 54 percent, draw at 26 percent, and Athletic Bilbao’s win probability at just 20 percent. Liverpool’s recent attacking sharpness, superior home record, and quality depth make them overwhelming favorites. Athletic’s chance rests on swift transitions and exploiting potential Liverpool over-commitment, but the data suggests Liverpool should control proceedings and prevail.
How to watch Liverpool vs Athletic Bilbao
When?
Kick-off: 04.08.2025, 19:00 CEST
Where?
Anfield, Liverpool
How to watch: Check regional sports broadcasters, Liverpool FC official channels, or streaming services carrying International Club Friendly matches.
Favorite: Liverpool
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Athletic Bilbao. Source: Official Instagram. Edited photo

