One week on from the return to pre-season training, and in the July evening sunshine on Merseyside - the reds took their first steps into the 2017-18 season.
Work permit related issues prevented the unveiling of new signing Mohammed Salah, but the club could welcome back Jordan Henderson from injury and new boy Dominic Solanke was pencilled in to take part in the second half.
Mamadou Sakho was another notable absentee from the squad - Lucas Leiva starting the game as one of the reds central defenders.
Lovren and Origi were omitted due to minor muscle injuries.
First half team
Karius; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Lucas, Milner; Henderson, Grujic, Wijnaldum; Ojo, Firmino, Sturridge
From the outset the reds looked the fitter and, obviously, more able team.
Karius dealt confidently with a number of long crosses sent direct in to the area and looked composed with the ball at his feet. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has recently signed a contract extension, sent in a number of tantalising crosses although Daniel Sturridge couldn't deliver the breakthrough opener.
Just after the half hour Sheyi Ojo was clattered into by the Tranmere keeper and the referee pointed to the spot. James Milner stepped up and fired his penalty goalwards. The keeper went the right way but couldn't get enough glove on the ball to prevent the net bulging.
1-0 Liverpool.
The reds added a second with a fine strike from outside the box by Marko Grujic. The Liverpool midfielder had an injury ravaged season last year, after a good pre-season. He will need to deliver more for the reds in the campaign ahead.
Half time and 2-0 to Liverpool.
Second half team
Karius; Clyne, Gomez, Klavan, Flanagan; Stewart, Chirivella, Woodburn; Markovic, Kent, Solanke
Only Karius kept his place as the reds switched all 10 outfield players in a pre-planned half time change.
Solanke and Kent looked lively from the off and within 5 minutes the reds were 3 up. Busy work inside the area, which Solanke was unfortunate not to open his account, but Chirivella ran in to snatch home a toe poke from the edge of the 6 yard box.
Liverpool's younger second half side looked fluid and never out of control. Loris Karius made way mid-way through the half - giving an opportunity to 18 year old Polish keeper Kamil Grabara. There was another goal to arrive and it was another youngster, Ben Woodburn who won himself a penalty, which he then took and scored with 10 minutes remaining. Liverpool had a comprehensive, and deserved, 4-0 lead.
Next up for the reds in pre-season, with less than 48 hours to go, is Friday night's trip to another local(ish) opponent Wigan Athletic.
