class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With much more match practice under their belts, Al Hain-Cole expects Die Alte Dame to provide Klopp's understrength side with a stern test in Tirol
Liverpool will be aiming to continue their pre-season preparations with a victory when they take on Hertha Berlin at the Tivoli Stadion in Tirol on Thursday.
The Reds got their summer off to a winning start in their first full friendly clash, beating Mainz 1-0 thanks to a late own goal.
Hertha Berlin vs Liverpool latest odds
They are 4/7 (1.57) favourites with bet365 to build on that performance with another victory over German opposition in Austria.
Pal Dardai’s men endured a disappointing Bundesliga campaign last season but can be backed at 7/2 (4.50) to restore some optimism by pulling off a morale-boosting victory over their illustrious opponents.
The Germans have drawn each of their last three pre-season friendlies, and you can get odds of 16/5 (4.20) on them playing out yet another stalemate in this one.
Hertha Berlin vs Liverpool team news
Virgil van Dijk is set to make an appearance after over nine months out with a knee injury, while Diogo Jota and Andy Robertson should get their first minutes of the pre-season after joining up with the squad recently.
Stevan Jovetic will be hoping to make his debut after signing on a free transfer this week, although Lucas Tousart, Matheus Cunha and Jordan Torunarigha are all away at the Olympic Games and Krzysztof Piatek remains injured.
Hertha Berlin vs Liverpool preview
While Van Dijk’s return would give the team a massive lift after a challenging season in his absence, Jurgen Klopp is still without key players Alisson, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino.
With just one full 90 minutes under their belts so far, Klopp’s players will be using this match as an opportunity to gradually get back up to speed and offer minutes to a number of youngsters and fringe players.
In contrast, Die Alte Dame are several weeks ahead in their preparations, having played five matches already – scoring an impressive 30 goals against an array of lower league opponents.
Hertha Berlin vs Liverpool predictions
Considering their superior fitness levels and match sharpness, odds of 6/5 (2.20) seem generous on Hertha at least avoiding defeat against a Liverpool team still getting warmed up.
All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.