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Liverpool beat HJK, Villa draw at Forest and Leeds see off Everton

James Milner celebrates with Jordon Ibe after scoring Liverpool's opener
Image: James Milner (right) set up both of Liverpool's goals in Helsinki

Liverpool saw off Finnish side HJK Helsinki 2-0 on Saturday thanks to goals from Divock Origi and Philippe Coutinho.

In the day's other friendly matches, Aston Villa were held by Nottingham Forest, Leicester fought back to defeat Birmingham while Everton and Newcastle suffered defeats to Leeds and Borussia Monchengladbach respectively.

At the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, the Reds left it late to break the deadlock in a game of few clear-cut chances, substitute Origi turning well in the area after a nice flick from James Milner with 15 minutes remaining.

Coutinho made it two five minutes later, collecting a one-two with Milner before his deflected effort nestled in the far corner from 20 yards.

Liverpool remain unbeaten in pre-season, and face Swindon on Sunday in their final friendly before travelling to the Britannia Stadium to face Stoke in the Premier League next weekend.

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At the City Ground, Nottingham Forest made a blistering start and broke the deadlock inside 30 second when Dexter Blackstock scored for the hosts, but Aston Villa levelled when Scott Sinclair converted Jordan Amavi's left-wing cross.

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Scott Sinclair scored a hat-trick but Aston Villa conceded two late goals to draw 3-3 at Nottingham Forest

After the break, Sinclair took advantage of a defensive lapse to put the visitors head before thumping in a delicious 25-yard curler.

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Scott Sinclair of Aston Villa is congratulated on scoring in the Pre Season Friendly against Nottingham Forest
Image: Scott Sinclair bagged a hat-trick for Aston Villa in a dramatic 3-3 draw at Nottingham Forest

But the Championship side hit back with two goals inside the final 10 minutes from Henri Lansbury and Kelvin Wilson for a share of the spoils.

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At St Andrew's, Leicester City hit back from two goals down to secure a 3-2 win against Birmingham in another Midlands derby.

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Leicester came from two goals down to beat Birmingham 3-2

David Cotterill and Demarai Gray handed the Blues a perfect start before Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri made three changes at the break which helped turn the tide.

Robert Huth converted Marc Albrighton's corner kick, before Danny Drinkwater levelled after Riyad Mahrez's superb free-kick struck the post.

Shinji Okazaki of Leicester City is congratulated by team-mates after scoring during the Pre-Season Friendly match v Birmingham City at St Andrews
Image: Shinji Okazaki is congratulated by his Leicester team-mates after scoring at Birmingham

Shinji Okazaki won the game with seven minutes remaining thanks to a flying near-post header from Mahrez's delivery.

At Elland Road, Leeds United proved too strong for a weakened Everton side, running out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Alex Mowatt and New Zealand international striker Chris Wood.

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A youthful Everton side were beaten 2-0 by Leeds at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon in their pre-season friendly.

The Toffees play Villarreal on Sunday before opening their Premier League campaign at home to Watford next Saturday.

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Chris Wood (2R) of Leeds celebrates with his team-mates after he scores during the Pre Season against Everton
Image: Chris Wood struck for Leeds United in a 2-0 home win over Everton

New Sunderland signing Jeremain Lens hit the winner as Dick Advocaat's side beat Hannover 1-0 in Germany, while Swansea drew 0-0 with Deportivo La Coruna at the Liberty Stadium. 

Swansea's Bafetimbi Gomis and Deportivo's Alejandro Arribas during the Pre-Season Friendly match at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea
Image: Swansea's Bafetimbi Gomis and Deportivo's Alejandro Arribas in action at the Liberty Stadium

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Newcastle suffered a 1-0 defeat to Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach at St James' Park, with Eden Hazard's brother Thorgan coming off the bench to bag the winner just after the hour mark.

Thorgan Hazard (L), of Borussia Moenchengladbach is congratulated by his team mates after scoring against Newcastle
Image: Thorgan Hazard scored the only goal of the game for Borussia Moenchengladbach at Newcastle

Fulham were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace in a London derby as Senegal international Pape Souare cancelled out Ben Pringle's strike.

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Newcastle's summer signing Pape Souare scored in their 1-1 draw at Fulham.

There was worrying news for Eagles boss Alan Pardew as centre-back Damien Delaney was stretchered off midway through the second half.

Norwich beat Brentford 2-1 at Carrow Road, with Wes Hoolahan and Cameron Jerome scoring for the Premier League side.

Wes Hoolahan of Norwich City celebrates his goal during the pre season friendly match between Norwich City and Brentford at Carrow Road
Image: Norwich's Wes Hoolahan celebrates his goal against Brentford

Top-flight newcomers Bournemouth were held to a goalless draw against Hoffenheim at the Rhein-Neckar Arena.

Dan Gosling of Bournemouth reacts during the friendly match between 1899 Hoffenheim and AFC Bournemouth
Image: Dan Gosling of Bournemouth reacts during the friendly match at Hoffenheim

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