Liverpool has learned when it will face each of its eight opponents in the new-look Champions League group phase with UEFA handing out some tricky runs for Arne Slot's side across the next few months.
A trip to the San Siro to take on AC Milan is Liverpool's first match of the competition with that game scheduled to take place on Tuesday, September 17, in between matches with Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth. The first home game is at Anfield against Italian side Bologna on Wednesday, October 2, which falls between Wolves and Crystal Palace.
Liverpool then travels to RB Leipzig on Wednesday, October 23 (between Chelsea and Arsenal) before it hosts Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, November 5 (between Brighton and Aston Villa). The stellar clash with Real Madrid will be on Wednesday, November 27, with Southampton and Manchester City on either side. Another Spanish opponent is next, with Liverpool traveling to Girona on Tuesday, December 10, after Everton and before Fulham.
READ MORE: Richard Hughes may have given game away about next Liverpool transfers after three failed moves
READ MORE: Liverpool transfer deadline day reaction LIVE: Reds announce deal after window closes
The last two Champions League fixtures will take place in January. The Reds will host French side Lille on Tuesday, January 21, which is between Brentford and Ipswich, and then visit Slot's homeland of the Netherlands to play PSV on Wednesday, January 29, which is the following week and in the build-up to the trip to Bournemouth.
As well as the order of the European games being important, the scheduling around other major Premier League matches is also crucial. And in that regard, Liverpool is at a disadvantage compared to potential title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal .
The Reds travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal on Sunday, October 27. In the midweek leading up to that huge match, Liverpool is away at RB Leipzig on the Wednesday night. Not only does Arsenal have a home game (meaning it doesn't have to travel anywhere), but it also plays against Shakhtar Donetsk on the Tuesday, giving it an extra day of rest.
Liverpool is at a similar disadvantage ahead of facing Manchester City at the end of November. Pep Guardiola's side and the Reds both play at home in Europe on the Wednesday beforehand, but while Slot's men face the mammoth clash with Real Madrid, Manchester City is hosting Feyenoord.
It remains to be seen whether or not Liverpool can mount a more sustained Premier League title push than it managed last season but the margins are small and the games against potential rivals at the top can be decisive. In both instances, UEFA's scheduling has given Slot and his players a bit more work to do.
Most Popular
Comments / 0