Reds Request Opening Away Fixture Amid Anfield Road Stand Expansion
Stadium Expansion Progress at LFC
As the current Premier League season nears its end, Liverpool FC have set their sights on the future, with ongoing renovations to the Anfield Road Stand. The Athletic reports that the Reds have submitted a formal request to the EPL for an away game to kick off their 2023/24 campaign. This is due to the anticipated completion of the Anfield Road Stand expansion in early August.
Safety Certificates and Test Events
Before the refurbished stand can welcome fans, a test event must be held to obtain the necessary safety certificates. With the top-flight season scheduled to commence on 12 August, Merseyside officials have requested an away fixture for the opening weekend, ensuring all necessary preparations are in place for a home match the following week.
Liverpool’s vice president of stadium operations, Paul Cuttill, stated, “We’ve put in the request, but we haven’t had it confirmed yet by the Premier League.”
Avoiding a Repeat of Main Stand Opening Delays
Reds chiefs are hopeful that their expanded Anfield will be fully operational by the second weekend of the 2023/24 Premier League season. They aim to avoid a situation similar to the opening of the revamped Main Stand seven years ago, which resulted in Liverpool playing their first three top-flight matches away from home. This included requesting to switch their second fixture against Burnley to Turf Moor to allow for the completion of construction work (Sky Sports).
Klopp’s Third Consecutive Away Opener?
If the EPL grants Liverpool’s request for an away opener, it will mark the third consecutive time Jurgen Klopp’s side begins their league campaign on the road. The Reds faced Fulham last August and Norwich for their 2021/22 opener.
Continuing the trend of starting their top-flight campaign against the most recent Championship winners, Liverpool could potentially face Vincent Kompany’s Clarets in their opening match.
EPL Decision Awaited
The Premier League’s decision on Liverpool’s request will be revealed when the 2023/24 fixture list is published next month. With Anfield’s capacity set to increase and the excitement surrounding the Anfield Road Stand expansion, Reds fans eagerly await the outcome.
