Brendan Rodgers’ first real test as Liverpool manager would be the match against Toronto, where he will look to test out the fringe players while also giving the first team players good match practice.
The Team:
The team that are currently in Boston include the likes of Daniel Agger, Jose Enrique and Alberto Aquilani. The players involved in the 2012 Euros (Steven Gerrard) are set to arrive next week, while Jesus ‘Suso’ Fernandez will also arrive, with Gerrard and co., following the successful U-19 European Championships with Spain.
Also, it would be good to see Danny Ward get some match practice, while Stephen Sama and Andre Wisdom would also try and make an impression during this pre-season tour. In midfield, Alberto Aquilani and Raheem Sterling would probably having more game time during the current tour. Furthermore, this tour will also help assess new signing Fabio Borini and youngster Adam Morgan. Overall,Rodgers is using a young squad for the Toronto game, and this will be an opportunity for players such as Dani Pacheco to prove their point to Rodgers.
The Opposition:
Realistically a good warm-up game, before a game against AS Roma next week. Should be relatively straightforward, as this game will be more about experimenting rather than fine tuning the squad. If there is anyone to look out for on this Toronto team, it would be skipper and former German international Torsten Frings.
The Prediction:
A fairly easy victory for Liverpool.