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The preseason tour couldn't have gotten off to a much better start for Liverpool than it did on Tuesday, when they eased to a 4-0 win over a Thai All-Star team and got a number of strong performances. Brendan Rodgers put out two different elevens in Bangkok, and each produced commanding displays against a Thai squad that was overmatched from the outset. A poor pitch and torrential downpour made things a little sloppy at times, particularly in the second half, but all-in-all it was an encouraging way to kick off preparations for the new season.
Rodgers will hope for more of the same on Friday evening in Brisbane, where the level of competition will be stepped up a bit as they face A-League side Brisbane Roar. The Queensland side finished sixth last season in league, just a point back of fifth-place Melbourne City, qualifying for the Finals series before falling in the first round to Adelaide United. The friendly comes at a time of uncertainty surrounding the club, with players' wages arriving late in recent weeks and an ongoing search for new investors to keep the Roar secure.
They're also getting used to a new manager in former Australian international John Aloisi, who was given the head job after interim boss Frans Thijssen's tenure ended. Aloisi is expected to give plenty of younger players a run-out tomorrow, and, like Rodgers, will be hopeful that his squad come through proceedings healthy and that much closer to match fitness.
For Liverpool it should be more of the same, though different combinations are expected throughout the match. Those paying attention to training reportedly saw a "first-choice" eleven that included Mamadou Sakho alongside Martin Skrtel and Joe Gomez at left-back, with Lucas joining James Milner and Jordan Henderson in the midfield and Adam Lallana at the tip of a diamond behind Danny Ings and Divock Origi up top. Given the personnel available, that's close to as good as it gets, and if that eleven ends up featuring, it'll be plenty interesting.
Whatever the selections end up being, the top priority will again be fitness, and over the next week it's likely that Rodgers gives longer looks to those who will be in or around the first team come the second weekend in August. For now, more time watching Liverpool--or likely catching up on the match later--in any capacity will suffice.
Kickoff: 9:45AM BST/4:45M EST from Suncorp Stadium
Television: LFCTV (UK); NESN (US); GO! Australia (Australia); Orange TV (Indonesia)
Online: LFCTV GO (worldwide for subscribers)
Full Listings: LiveSoccerTV
Hingert Donachie North Stefanutto
Lustica Brattan Broich
Bench:
Clyne Skrtel Sakho Gomez
Lucas
Bench:
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