The last time Liverpool faced Norwich City first up in a league season was in 1976/77.
We ended up finishing that campaign on top of the table, ahead of Manchester City!
1 – On the only previous occasion that Liverpool started a league season at home against Norwich City, the Reds won the top-flight league title ahead of Manchester City in 2nd (1976-77). Liverpool beat Norwich 1-0 at Anfield on MD1 that season. Fate? #PremierLeagueFixtures pic.twitter.com/7Skreef33b
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 13, 2019
This morning, the PL fixtures were released and we’ve got the Canaries first up on the Friday night – before everybody else plays.
We really, really like this. Firstly, it’s a winnable home fixture, which we’d expect to emerge from with three points. Secondly, we play before anyone else, meaning we should immediately get ourselves on top of the table! Lastly, the fact it’s an evening game, and on a Friday, will be immense for atmosphere – especially considering the Champions League triumph in Madrid.
In short, it’ll be a terrific opportunity for us to lay down a marker and start as we mean to go on.
Ourselves and Manchester City are the favourites for the title – and in truth – we think everyone else is quite some distance behind.
We have to hope Vincent Kompany’s exit, and the fact David Silva is 33 and Fernandinho 34, causes City some issues – although we obviously understand they’re a jaw-dropping side and will be incredibly tough to beat again.