Liverpool FC....A look into next season's fixtures(PART 1)

The new Premier League kicks off this August and as soon as the fixture list came out I got my fingers working.It's definitely a fresh beginning for Liverpool FC with new boss Brendan Rodgers at the helm.Like many other Liverpool fans,I too am optimistic about the new season and eagerly awaiting the new philosophies Rodgers will bring to the football club.

Here I make an effort to rundown and pre-analyse all of next season's games,highlighting the big ones,the easy rides and the potential banana skins.Have a good read.

Games during the transfer window are highlighted with yellow.

AUGUST

18th:West Bromwich Albion(A)
Away to start with,again.After last two season's home opening(vs Arsenal and Sunderland respectively),which were incidentally the first time in the Premier League era that we have started the season at home,it's a trip to the West Midlands to face WBA.It's an early face-off between new Baggies manager Steve Clarke and his former employers.It promises to be a fantastic start to the season.
Last season :: an unfortunate 0-1 loss to Roy Hodgson's men.


25th:Manchester City(H) BIG GAME
The first big one of the season and what better way to kick things off at Anfield than the visit of champions Manchester City.Brendan Rodgers will have his task cut out for this early season encounter but expect sparks to fly in this high octane clash.City were lucky to escape with a draw here last season with a fantastic Joe Hart performance.A good positive start at home will be vital though.

SEPTEMBER

1st:Arsenal(H) BIG GAME
Another big one and this time its Arsenal.An important match in the context of the season considering there is not much of a gulf in class between the two sides.Must be a treat for football purists with both managers known for their attractive brand of football.A hard one to call though all depends on how much Brendan Rodgers implements his ethos.
Last season :: a RvP brace broke LFC hearts as Arsenal ran out 2-1 winners having been on the backfoot for the entire match.

15th:Sunderland(A)
Off to the Stadium of Light to face Martin O'Neill and his charges.A tricky one as the Mackems have been some kind of a bogey team for LFC in recent years.A win won't suffice if last season's wretched performance is repeated.

22nd:Manchester United(H) BIG GAME
Biggest game of the season yet.United will be up against it and will be looking for a first win at Anfield since 2007.Last season United barely managed to hold on for a draw after surviving a flurry of Liverpool attacks.Anyway its difficult to forsee a United victory.
Last season :: Steven Gerrard scored a brilliant free kick but his comeback from injury was ruined by Chicharito's late equaliser.

29th:Norwich City(A)
September ends with a trip to East Anglia.Chris Hughton is the new man at Carrow Road and he will be desperate to get one over a supposed 'big club'.City will definitely be spurred on by a passionate crowd.Last season's hat-trick hero Luis Suarez will be hoping to deliver once again.

OCTOBER

6th:Stoke City(H)
And we kick off October with Stoke City.The Potters are in their 6th straight season in the Premiership and Tony Pulis' charges have gone from strength to strength with each passing season.Haven't won over too many fans with their direct,route one style of football,but Pulis' team have become increasingly difficult to beat as last season's scoreless draw suggests.Still,away wins are not their forte so expect Liverpool to get a win.

20th:Reading(H)
Back to back home games and this time its promoted Reading.Promoted teams have often created problems for LFC in the past as last season's only two wins from six games show.A totally winnable game on paper but LFC often tend to be complacent in these kind of games against lesser lights.A potential banana skin.

27th:Everton(A) BIG GAME
Liverpool sign off in October with a short trip across Stanley Park in the 219th Merseyside Derby.In recent years ,Liverpool have got the better of Everton even if they haven't been playing well(read FA Cup Semi Final),a trend which doesn't look like bucking in the future.
Last season :: Carroll and Suarez settled a cagey encounter with clinical finishes.