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An Analysis of Liverpool’s 2017-2018 Fixtures

By Paul Drake

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is interviewed before the International Friendly match between Sydney FC and Liverpool FC at ANZ Stadium on May 24, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is interviewed before the International Friendly match between Sydney FC and Liverpool FC at ANZ Stadium on May 24, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) /
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The Premier League fixture list has been released and Liverpool will open the 2017-2018 season against Watford at Vicarage Road, August 12. But don’t worry fans, the Reds return to Anfield is the following Saturday against Crystal Palace.

The 2016-2017 season was a roller-coaster, Liverpool narrowly qualified for the Champions League. There were moments of greatness, mainly when Sadio Mane or Philippe Coutinho were on the pitch. And there were moments of pure trash, basically whenever the Reds played a lower-table side.

Next season is a new season. Jurgen Klopp will look to right last season’s wrongs and make a push for a title and more silverware! That being said, let’s look at some important matches on next season’s fixture list.

September 9 – Manchester City, again…

This match will be a true test for Jurgen Klopp’s side, as the rivalry with Pep Guardiola and Manchester City will be renewed. This match is early in the season and City will certainly be looking for some revenge for last season.

Liverpool were one of the few sides in which City failed to beat last season, receiving only one point over two legs.

Next season will be a different story. City will not be such an easy side to beat, Guardiola has already added Bernardo Silva and Ederson Moraes to an already potent squad.

November 25 – Chelsea, the Champs

Antonio Conte and the Blues will return to Anfield, but more importantly this match could also mark the return of Romelu Lukaku. That is if Chelsea can secure Lukaku’s services during the summer transfer window. He is know to be a target of Conte this off-season.

If the Reds desire to make a run at the Premier League title, it will go through Chelsea’s door. Lukaku is one of the few Everton players who have been able to score on Liverpool, he could be the kryptonite that Conte needs to take down Klopp.

December 9 – Merseyside Derby, undefeated!

The fierce Merseyside Derby is a show-stopper for any Liverpool fan. Klopp will look to continue his undefeated streak against Everton. Since taking over as the boss at Anfield, Klopp has won all three matches against Everton, outscoring the Toffees 8 to 1.

For a few hours on December 9th, the world will stop spinning and all eyes will be glued on this historic derby! Never-mind that other derby east of Liverpool that will be taking place on the same day.

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January 30 – Huddersfield, a Reunion

Reunited, but does it feel so good? David Wagner, current boss of Huddersfield, and Klopp know each other well from their days at Mainz; they are former teammates and colleagues.

Huddersfield, a newly promoted side, will look to upset the Reds at John Smith’s Stadium. It has been over fifty years since The Terriers played top-flight football.

Though this match does not offer much in terms of potential excitement or impact on the table. This will still be a fun match to watch.

March 3 – Newcastle, the Rafa Return

Rafa Benitez is set to receive a standing ovation from the Kop when Newcastle visits Anfield in March. The Spaniard is the current manager of Newcastle but his history with Anfield runs deep. Benitez is the only manager to win major trophies in his first two seasons at Liverpool, leading the Reds return to the Champions League!

This will certainly be an emotional match for Benitez. Newcastle has something special going on right now and will look to collect three points away at Anfield; Benitez will attack the Reds head-on.

May 13 – Final Matchday

The importance of this day depends on all the previous matches for the Reds. It is the hope that they will already be securely in the top four when this day comes.

Chelsea and Manchester City face difficult tests that could determine their fate on the last day. But Liverpool close out the season against Brighton at Anfield, which shouldn’t be a challenging match for what looks like to be a strong Liverpool side.

Let’s hope there is much celebration and not mourning at the end of this match, and at the end of a fantastic season!

Next: Do Liverpool have interest in PSG attacker Lucas Moura?

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