Anfield Awaits: Liverpool vs Monaco Prediction, Odds & Best Bets

Liverpool return to Anfield for one of their final pre-season tests when they welcome French outfit AS Monaco on Sunday, 9 August, with both clubs looking to sharpen up before their respective domestic campaigns get underway.

Liverpool have experienced an eventful pre-season under new head coach Andoni Iraola, while Monaco have enjoyed a solid preparation that includes matches against Sporting CP, Cercle Brugge and Getafe before travelling to England. The fixture is Liverpool’s first meeting with Monaco since their memorable 2004 UEFA Champions League campaign.

Match Information:

• Competition: Club Friendly
• Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
• Date: Sunday, 9 August 2026
• Kick-off: 15:30 SAST

Liverpool continue adapting to life under Iraola, and this friendly should provide another opportunity for the Spaniard to fine-tune his preferred starting XI.

Recent reports suggest several senior players are returning to full fitness, while exciting new arrivals such as Víctor Muñoz and Jérémy Jacquet could receive valuable minutes. Florian Wirtz, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexander Isak have also returned to the squad after missing portions of pre-season, although fitness will still be managed carefully.

Expect Liverpool to rotate throughout the match, but a strong first-half lineup is likely.

Monaco have looked competitive throughout pre-season despite mixed results.

Former Arsenal striker Mika Biereth is expected to lead the attack, supported by experienced names including Takumi Minamino, Aleksandr Golovin, Paul Pogba, Eric Dier, Thilo Kehrer and new signing Ansu Fati, giving the Ligue 1 side plenty of quality across the pitch.

Manager Filipe Luís is also expected to rotate heavily, making this a useful fitness exercise rather than an all-out tactical battle.

• Liverpool Win – 1.65
• Draw – 4.10
• Monaco Win – 4.80
• Over 2.5 Goals – 1.60
• Both Teams To Score – 1.67

Odds are indicative and may vary between South African bookmakers. Read our guide explaining sports betting odds if you’re unsure about how odds work.

Liverpool to Win & Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.30

Liverpool should field the stronger side for much of the contest, while Monaco possess enough attacking quality to help produce an entertaining match. Pre-season friendlies also tend to be more open than competitive fixtures, making goals an attractive angle.

Confidence rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Liverpool appear slightly further along in their preparations despite an inconsistent pre-season.

Playing at Anfield should provide an added lift, and Iraola will want to build momentum before competitive football returns. Monaco are dangerous enough to score, but Liverpool’s attacking quality should ultimately prove decisive.

Predicted Score: Liverpool 3-1 Monaco