With back-to-back pre-season friendlies against HJK in Helsinki and Swindon Town on Saturday and Sunday respectively, Liverpool had to keep some players afresh for their match against Swindon Town at the County Ground on Sunday. Hence, Brendan Rodgers did not take some key players to Finland.
Liverpool's friendly against League One team Swindon Town will be their last pre-season game ahead of their season opener against Stoke City on 9 August at the Britannia Stadium.
All eyes at the County Ground will be on two marquee signings - Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino – who did not travel to Helsinki for their friendly. The duo is expected to make their debut on Sunday.
With Liverpool having played out an impressive game against HJK, which they won 2-0, the Reds are expected to sign off their pre-season on a perfect note against Swindon Town before the EPL season kicks-off. Liverpool have been impressive in their pre-season tour to Thailand, Australia, Malaysia and Finland, where they did not lose a single game.
Though the game against Swindon may not have players such as Simon Mignolet, Philippe Coutinho, James Milner, other players in the team such as Lazar Markovic, Alberto Moreno, Lucas Leiva will get a chance to impress the team management to press for first team football.
Liverpool might have more or less taken their first team to Helsinki for the friendly, barring few members. Players such as Markovic and Moreno are aware that they can put forward a claim for first team if not guarantee with some clinical performance against Swindon Town.
Along with some regulars, the match against Swindon Town might witness some youngsters such as Jordan Rossiter, Pedro Chirivella, Ryan Kent, Sheyi Ojo also give their best ahead of the EPL season and knock at the team's door as well. Though the game might not resemble a huge fixture, the fringe players will think otherwise.
Swindon Town have a tough task ahead of them after their preseason disappointment, where they have been unimpressive in their last six games and the club's fate are not expected to change with Liverpool players keen to impress in their last pre-season fixture.
Where to Watch Live
Liverpool vs Swindon Town pre-season friendly is scheduled for 4pm local time (8:30pm IST, 11am ET) start. The game can be watched live on LFC TV, with live streaming option on LFC TV Go.
