Liverpool recorded a convincing 2-0 victory over Adelaide United to maintain their winning start to pre-season.
James Milner opened the scoring for the Reds in the second half to double his personal tally for the club, before Danny Ings got off the mark with his first goal since joining the Anfield outfit.
Adelaide provided Liverpool with their toughest test to date in what was their third match of the summer, but in the end Brendan Rodgers' men proved too strong.
Relive how the 90 minutes of action at the Adelaide Oval unfolded below.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of Liverpool's pre-season friendly meeting against Adelaide United. This is the Reds' third outing of the summer, following victories over a Thailand All Star XI and Brisbane Roar.
Today's clash should realistically be the Premier League club's toughest test to date, though, as they face off against an Adelaide side who finished last season's A-League campaign in third place. Before discussing the fixture in more detail, let's take a look at some team news.
TEAM NEWS!
ADELAIDE UNITED XI: Galekovic, Marrone, McGowan, Malik, Elrich, Isaias, Jeggo, Carrusca, Cirio, Goodwin, Djite
LIVERPOOL XI: Mignolet, Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Gomez, Henderson, Allen, Milner, Ibe, Lallana, Origi
Starting with the Liverpool team, then, and Brendan Rodgers has made three changes from last time out. Dejan Lovren, Joe Allen and Jordon Ibe all come into the starting lineup at the Adelaide Oval, with Mamadou Sakho, Lucas Leiva and Danny Ings the men to make way.
That means the Reds boss has reverted back to his preferred tactics of one up top, as Divock Origi - a scorer on his debut last week - leads the line. James Milner, Ibe and Adam Lallana will provide the support in attack, while Allen slots in alongside skipper Jordan Henderson in a deeper position.
Interestingly, Lovren has been given a chance to impress at the back alongside Martin Skrtl. The Croatia international may have a job on his hands doing that, but a clean sheet against Adelaide this morning will certainly help. Ibe also has to use these pre-season outings to showcase his talents, which he did to an extent when coming on in the second half against Brisbane Roar last Friday.
Kickoff Down Under is now a little over 15 minutes away:
BENCH WATCH!
ADELAIDE UNITED SUBS: La Rocca, Pablo Sanchez, Ochieng, Smith, Mells, Warland, Love, Hall, Tonyik, Pudler
LIVERPOOL SUBS: Bogdan, Fulton, Toure, Sakho, Lambert, Moreno, Lucas, Ings, Kent, Rossiter, Wisdom, Markovic, Teixeira, Ojo, Wilson, Maguire, Cleary, Chirivella
Plenty of options for Rodgers to choose from among his backups, then, which in many ways is what these off-season fixtures are all about. The Premier League campaign is now less than three weeks away, however, so he will already be thinking about which players will form the core of his first-choice XI next term.
In terms of the home side, who as already mentioned finished third behind Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory last season, they will have one eye on an upcoming fixture against Darwin Olympic on August 5. That FFA Cup match will take priority over today's outing, no doubt, but that is not to say the Australian side will see this as anything other than a prestige run-out.
United lost 3-2 to Villarreal in their last outing, which perhaps offers a little glimpse of what to expect this morning. Liverpool had to work far harder against Brisbane on Friday compared to their opening fixture against Thailand XI, and another step up in quality is now expected at the Adelaide Oval.
Milner and Lallana were both on target in that match, scoring a goal each either side of half time as Liverpool battled back from a goal behind. Both start once more today, giving the English duo a chance to strengthen their partnership in the middle of the field ahead of the inevitable arrival of Christian Benteke sometime this week.
Incidentally, following today's match Liverpool head back to Asia as they face off against Malaysia XI on Friday. They then return to England for a short while before their travels continue with a trip to Scandinavia. HJK will await there, while Swindon Town provide the final friendly opposition prior to that league opener against Stoke City.
PREDICTION! Today is essentially all about fitness, of course, but Rodgers will be eager to see his side maintain a winning feel. This 53,000-seater stadium, more use to hosting Aussie Rules events in recent times, is jam-packed with red shirts. They are here to see their heroes up close, and I'm backing Liverpool to repay the faith with a 2-0 win.
The setting for Liverpool's third pre-season friendly fixture, which is now just moments away:
KICKOFF! A superb rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone belts around the Adelaide Oval, as Liverpool get the contest underway.
Liverpool are pressing extremely high up the pitch in these early stages, which is an interesting tactic deployed by Rodgers. It will be difficult to maintain, but he does have the option to switch things around at the break don't forget.
The first opening of the contest falls to the feet of Ibe, who latches on to Lallana's pullback on the edge of the box. The Reds flyer couldn't get the ball out of his feet, though, and Adelaide were able to clear.
It's another half-decent chance for Liverpool, which this time falls to Origi. Gomez swung in a ball from the left, but the striker tried a fancy flick with the ball an inch of so out of reach.
Liverpool still very much the side on top at the moment, which is largely a result of their high pressing. Adelaide haven't been given the chance to settle down, but it remains all square with eight minutes played.
Origi does well to work some space inside the box, but he lashed high over the bar when finally getting the shot away. The Reds are continuing to knock on the door.
Henderson is almost rewarded for a burst forward from midfield, but a near-perfect pass from Clyne was scooped up by Eugen Galekovic before the Reds skipper could get a foot on the ball.
Isaias takes on a shot from range which was never going to test Mignolet between the sticks. It's been a quiet opening to the game for the Reds' backline.
This has been a good workout for the visiting side so far, as they continue with this high-pressing tactic. They have yet to create any major chances, but there is no doubt which side is on top at the moment.
Adelaide are seeing more of the ball now, forcing the Premier League outfit to form a compact shape. The Reds are certainly looking progressively sharper, which is to be expected as each game goes by.
SHOT! A good, positive run from Joe Allen ends with the Welshman picking out Origi, who in turn uses his strength to work away a shooting position inside the box. His attempt was far too weak in the end, though, allowing Galekovic to collect down low with ease.
Still goalless at a packed Adelaide Oval:
Liverpool are putting together some good passing moves in attack. Gomez has profited from these intricate periods of play on a few occasions, but his latest cross from the left failed to find a teammate. In the end it mattered little, with the offside flag up on the far side.
McGowan picks up a loose ball and aims to burst through on goal, but it had a little too much on it and Mignolet was down to collect. United perhaps showing signs that they will grow into this contest as is transpires.
SHOT! Ibe's low drive on goal, coming after he showed some tricky footwork to escape his marker, ends with Galekovic being forced into making a save. It was simple enough in the end, yet a rare save to make nonetheless.
The intensity levels appear to have dropped somewhat, so there is no real sign of a breakthrough goal at the moment. Liverpool have had the better openings in the final third, yet the hosts are showing more confidence on the ball as we approach the half-hour mark.
Adelaide are enjoying their best spell of the match so far, showing real confidence in working the ball across the field. A cross in from the right, which Gomez failed to cut out, ended with a corner being won. From the set piece, Mignolet was grateful to see the ball dip onto the roof of his net.
The final ball from Liverpool's full-backs has let them down a few times so far. They are having to defend more than attack at the moment, but Adelaide - like their opponents in the opening quarter - are not doing a great deal with the ball.
Origi is being drawn into wide positions in search of the ball, with Lallana covering in a central position. There has not been a great deal to shout about since that Ibe strike 10 minutes ago.
SAVE! The first real bit of quality from either side, and it comes from Liverpool new boy James Milner. The England international did brilliantly to bring the ball under control on the edge of the box, before opening up his body and firing away. Galekovic had to get across to push the ball away - his first real save of the contest.
CHANCE! Following that prolonged quiet spell, Liverpool now appear to have found their attacking groove. Lallana picked out Milner on the edge of the box, but the Englishman's shot was miscued. It fell to Origi just six yards from goal, who failed to connect properly and could only earn a corner for his efforts. Not an easy chance by any means.
Liverpool ending this half the better, then, but they still have nothing to show for their efforts. They haven't really looked like scoring in fairness, bar that Milner attempt a few minutes ago.
Mignolet makes a decision to race out of goal, which could have proved costly with Djite looking to get on the ball. The Belgian headed clear, though, justifying his decision to come way off his line.
HALF TIME: ADELAIDE UNITED 0-0 LIVERPOOL
Not a great deal of goalmouth action in a goalless first half at the Adelaide Oval, but it has not been a boring contest by any means. Liverpool have just about been the better side, firing away a few shots on goal across the opening 45 minutes.
Only one of those shots particularly troubled Galekovic, though - Milner's attempt from the edge of the box seven minutes from the interval. Origi has had a couple of half-chances, meanwhile, yet he has been unable to make any real impact so far.
As for Adelaide, well they certainly grew into things a little more by asking some questions of Liverpool's backline. In fairness, the home supporters (the ones supporting United, at least) have not had a great deal to shout about. Regardless, this is certainly the Reds' toughest assignment to date.
Here is a reminder of the Premier League side's starting lineup this morning. How many of them will still be on the field after the restart?
Liverpool head back to Asia in the coming days as they prepare to round off their tour with a match against a Malaysia XI on Friday, before taking on HJK in Scandinavia. There is also a friendly on home soil against Swindon Town, so plenty of time yet for the Reds to find their groove.
The players are now back out onto the field of play. One change for Liverpool at the break; Alberto Moreno replacing Joe Gomez at full-back.
RESTART! Adelaide get things back underway Down Under. Just the one change made by Brendan Rodgers, then, so it will be interesting to see if Liverpool maintain their high pressing early on in this half.
Henderson's free kick from the right flank asks a few questions of Adelaide's defenders. The ball eventually finds it way to Skrtel at the back post, but he saw his pass to Allen dispossessed.
CHANCE! A brilliant chance for Liverpool to find the breakthrough goes begging. The Reds have started the half well, earning a few set pieces, the latest of which Lovren heads over from close range. The centre-back was unmarked, and having got to the ball first he will be disappointed to have headed into the ground and over the bar.
The fresh legs of Moreno charge towards the opposition box, but once he got there he wasn't quite sure what to do. In the end his delayed cross was cleared away.
Clyne leads a strong charge down the right flank, which culminates in his half-decent cross going right through the box untouched. The Englishman only really had Origi to aim for.
Ibe drifts inside after capitalising on a mistake by Jeggo, earning a free kick for his side 25 yards from goal. Milner takes, but disappointingly blasts straight into the wall.
CLOSE! Ibe is looking very sharp at the moment, as he runs and runs at the Adelaide defence before placing his shot a few inches wide of the far post. You get the impression that a Liverpool goal is coming.
SAVE! Galekovic is forced into a second meaningful save of the contest to push aside Lallana's drive. The Liverpool midfielder was aiming to lift the ball into the top corner, but the United stopper was equal to it with a strong hand.
More than an hour played now but still no signs of any additional changes being made by Rodgers. That is not too surprising, considering this is his side's best spell of the match to date.
ADELAIDE UNITED SUB: Djite's shift comes to an end, with Pablo Sanchez on in his place.
Adelaide win themselves a corner, which nearly ends in disaster as Liverpool spring an attack. The game appears to be going through another of those dry spells.
A superb Milner cross is right on the money between the last defender and goalkeeper, but there was nobody around to tap it home.
GOAL! ADELAIDE UNITED 0-1 LIVERPOOL (MILNER)
The visitors finally find a way through, and it is two in two for new signing James Milner. Ibe found himself in plenty of space out on the right, with his pass - almost identical to the one Milner played 60 seconds prior - clinically converted from a few yards out.
Milner was perhaps slightly offside when converting the ball goalwards, but very well taken nonetheless.
YELLOW CARD! A first yellow card of the match is shown to Marcelo Carrusca, following his heavy challenge on Jordan Henderson.
CLOSE! So, so close to an equaliser from Elrich, who skimmed the post with his strike from 25 yards out. Milner was caught on the ball in the middle, and the Adelaide defender done the rest by nearly punishing the Reds.
LIVERPOOL SUBS: Rodgers now opts to change things around slightly, bringing on Ings for Origi in a straight swap up top and Lucas on for Milner in the middle.
Thirteen minutes to go at a sold-out Adelaide Oval:
Liverpool not really looking to get the ball forward at the moment, as they instead look to pass it around in their own half. The final 10 minutes or so may see them having to defend a little more.
CHANCE! Henderson's well-delivered set piece from the right is met by Ings, who could only head the ball a yards or so over the bar when picked out. Galekovic rushed out but was nowhere near the ball, so that is a let off for the Adelaide shot-stopper.
ADELAIDE UNITED SUBS: La Rocca and Mells are introduced for the final eight minutes or so in place of Goodwin and Jeggo.
The visitors are knocking the ball around with ease at the moment, with no real pressure on them from United. We saw Liverpool pressing high throughout the first half, but there is no need to do that at this stage as they comfortably preserve this 1-0 lead.
LIVERPOOL SUB: Lazar Markovic has five minutes to impress Down Under, coming on in place of Joe Allen at the Adelaide Oval.
This has certainly been a step up in quality for Liverpool, yet they haven't truly been tested. They were forced to work hard for the opening goal, of course, but as soon as it arrived it has been plain sailing ever since. Not a great deal to shout about at either end since that Milner opener 20 minutes ago.
GOAL! ADELAIDE UNITED 0-2 LIVERPOOL (INGS)
Danny Ings is off the mark as a Liverpool player! It was a nice team move, too, which saw Clyne play the ball through for his compatriot, who in turn rounded Galekovic and slotted home in front of the 53,008 spectators.
Liverpool still appear to have a fair bit in the tank, which bodes well for the future. They were just about the better side in the first half, but there has only been one team in the contest over the past 45 minutes.
Adelaide win a free kick out on the left flank, which falls nicely to Malik inside the area. The centre-back cleared the crossbar with his effort, though, in what is likely to be the last meaningful piece of play.
FULL TIME: ADELAIDE UNITED 0-2 LIVERPOOL
A decent run-out for Liverpool ends with the Reds picking up a rather convincing 2-0 win at the Adelaide Oval. This was their toughest test to date, coming on the back of two-successive victories, and they past it with flying colours.
James Milner opened the scoring in the second half to double his Reds tally, before Danny Ings got off the mark with his first for the club late on.
Well that's all from me, but be sure to stick around on Sports Mole as we bring you a full match report plus all the reaction from Down Under.
