Saturday, June 19, 2010

Liverpool FC Face Fixture Congestion At Start Of 2010-11 season

Liverpool will face an early-season fixture pile up as their bid for European glory is forced to take the long route.

The Anfield outfit, who are still searching for a new manager following the departure of Rafael Benitez, will kick-off their Premier League campaign at home to Arsenal on August 14, although they will expect the fixture or kick-off time to be moved to accommodate the demands of satellite television.

Providing Liverpool have negotiated the earlier Europa League third qualifying round ties on July, 29 and August 5, with the draw made on July 16, they will play the first leg of their Europa League play-off five days after the visit of Arsene Wenger’s men on August, 19.

The European return leg comes a week later, with a trip to Manchester City sandwiched in between on Saturday, August 21.

Then, just two days after the second Europa League leg, promoted West Bromwich Albion are the visitors to Merseyside, though again Liverpool are likely to find that match moved back a day to the Sunday given their continental excursions.

If successful in the Europa League play-off, the Anfield side will qualify for the Group Stage of the UEFA competition which starts on Thursday, September 16, two days before a trip to Old Trafford.

The 214th Merseyside derby will take place at Goodison on October 16, with the Anfield return on January 15.

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