Reds could be hit hard by European AWAY days

LIVERPOOL could face a repeat of the mammoth week that saw them face Real Madrid and Manchester City in back-to-back matches last season.

- By THEO SQUIRES ECHO Reporter

The Premier League fixtures were confirmed on Wednesday, as the Reds’ schedule for the upcoming campaign was revealed.

And with the dates for Champions League and domestic cup action already confirmed, Liverpool now know how those fixtures will fit into their schedule — even if they will have to wait to find out the identity of their opponents.

The Reds will learn which eight sides they will face in the Champions League league phase on Thursday August 28, before it gets under way on Tuesday September 16.

The league phase matchdays are as follows: GW 1: September 16-18; GW2: September 30 - October 1; GW 3: October 21-22; GW 4: November 4-5; GW 5: November 25-26; GW 6: December 9-10; GW 7: January 20-21; GW 8: January 28

So, with the Premier League fixtures being released on Wednesday morning, Liverpool now know which games their European exploits will be sandwiched in between. And it is not ideal, with the Reds facing five away clashes and an Anfield Merseyside derby after their Champions League league matches.

Liverpool have been granted a kinder warm-up to their opening Champions League fixture as they travel to newly-promoted Burnley (September 13), but that is followed by the first Merseyside derby of the season against Everton at Anfield (September 20).

They will travel to Crystal Palace on September 27 prior to matchday two, with another tricky away trip to Chelsea then awaiting on October 4.

Following the October international break, the Reds will host Manchester United (October 18) ahead of matchday three, with a trip to Brentford then following (October 25).