Blackpool boss is excited by Liverpool return

That’s according to Pool’s head coach, who returns to Anfield just six months after leaving Merseyside to take on his new role at Bloomfield Road.

But Critchley, who spent seven years working with Liverpool’s youngsters, is more excited about what this final pre-season game will do for his players.

“They will take so much from the game, I’m sure,” he said.

“For the players to come up against such a high quality opposition doesn’t happen very often and they will learn a great deal.

“The way they see the game tactically and the way they all understand each other and work together is very special, and it will be a great opportunity for us.”

It will be the first time Critchley has been back to Anfield after leaving his role as U23 coach in February.

“It will be a special occasion for me, but there’s more to it than that,” he said.

“It’s about us as a group – the players and the staff – going up against some wonderful players at an amazing stadium.

“Ultimately, it’s a great chance for us to practice and prepare how we want to play against a great opponent, and it’s something we’re all looking forward to.”

While Jurgen Klopp’s side will be without a host of first-team players due to the international break, they will still be able to call on a number of stars.

Only Liverpool’s European players are unavailable, meaning the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson and Gini Wijnaldum are ruled out.

It still means Alisson, Fabinho, Naby Keita, Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino could play some part.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is unlikely to be involved while the game will probably come too soon for Joel Matip and Jordan Henderson, who are both recovering from injuries.

Klopp has been left without any senior centre-backs, meaning Billy Koumetio, Nat Phillips and Sepp van den Berg will compete for a start, although Fabinho has been known to fill in.

In the absence of Robertson, new signing Kostas Tsimikas is expected to start the game at left-back.

This afternoon’s outing will be Blackpool’s sixth and final pre-season friendly of the summer before they take on Barrow in their opening EFL Trophy group game on Tuesday.

The Seasiders then begin their 2020/21 League One campaign at Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, September 12.

Blackpool have enjoyed a strong pre-season, winning three of their five friendlies, also drawing with Everton and losing to Blackburn Rovers.

Today’s game marks Blackpool’s first return to Anfield since 2010, when Charlie Adam and Luke Varney scored in a memorable 2-1 Premier League victory.

The game is available to watch for Blackpool supporters via a live stream, with match passes priced at £5.99.