Preview: Liverpool vs. Leeds United

CHICAGO, IL–The start of the English Premier League Season is three weeks away. All 20 teams are around the world getting their preseason training in via friendly matches. One example takes place in Chicago on Sunday as Liverpool play Leeds United at Solider Field (3pm CT, ESPN App/ESPN Deportes).

Liverpool is looking to bounce back from a disappointing fifth place finish in the EPL under new manager Andoni Iraola. Liverpool have based themselves in Chicago and training at the Endeavor Health Performance Center which is where Chicago Fire FC train as well.

“I was very happy when I found out we were coming again to Chicago,” said Iraola. “I was here this past season, past preseason with Bournemouth, we spent two weeks here. I think it’s a nice city, proper facilities, but especially when we have some time, even going to the city, have a coffee, maybe a nice dinner somewhere. People are also very respectful.”

Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak are all available after they reported for duty following their countries’ World Cup participation. Fellow new signing and Spain international Victor Munoz is still absent following La Roja’s World Cup victory earlier this month. Also on extended breaks following the World Cup are Cody Gakpo, Virgil van Dijk and Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister. Joe Gomez is out with a muscle injury suffered in the friendly against Wrexham.

Leeds came in 14th last season in the EPL and look to improve upon that this season. They defeated Sunderland in their last preseason friendly, 1-0, in New Jersey on Thursday.

New signing Harry Wilson told the club’s media on his goals for this preseason.

“Really tough but that is expected,” said Wilson. “That is what pre-season is for, building up a base for when the season starts, making sure you are in the best physical position you can be to attack the season. It has been good.

“I played against them [Leeds] twice last year when I was at Fulham Both games were really, really tough games. And I think the atmosphere, especially in the away game at Elland Road… I have played there before so I know the atmosphere is great.

“And I think when the fans have got a good team to support, I think that goes up a notch. So yeah, I think the size of the club was a massive part of me coming.

“And then speaking to the guys, the chairman, the sporting director, and seeing kind of the plans and the aims for the club, it is something I wanted to be a part of.”

The match on Sunday is at 3pm CT will be on ESPN Unlimited and ESPN Deportes.

Photos of Liverpool training by Leslie Smith.