Liverpool’s Premier League campaign is set to kick off with a bit of breathing room after the fixture update — and that’s not something you often hear in English football.
With the updated broadcast schedule now confirmed, Arne Slot’s team has been handed a rare nine-day break between their first two league matches.
The Reds begin the season under the Anfield lights against Bournemouth on Friday, August 15.
But they won’t be back in action until the following Monday, August 25, when they visit Newcastle at St. James’ Park.
It’s not quite a winter break, but for a squad easing into life after late Diogo Jota — and still feeling the emotional toll of recent events — that gap could be a quiet blessing.
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Why Premier League made changes to Liverpool fixture dates?
The scheduling shift is down to Sky Sports selecting both fixtures for live broadcast.
Bournemouth’s visit was always a Friday night opener, but Newcastle vs. Liverpool has now been moved to a Monday night kickoff, set for 8 p.m. BST.
That leaves a full nine days between matches — a rarity in the always-packed Premier League calendar.
With pre-season starting later than expected due to the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, this change may give the squad some valuable time to reset and refocus.
However, while the break may help players, it’s less ideal for fans. A Monday night trip to the North East isn’t easy.
It’s a long road from Merseyside to Newcastle, and Reds fans will be clocking up the miles late into the night.
Liverpool’s final match in August — a home clash against Arsenal on Sunday, August 31 — will also be on Sky, capping a month where the Reds will be televised every step of the way.
Liverpool August fixtures
All time BST
Bournemouth (H) – Friday, August 15, 8 p.m.
Newcastle (A) – Monday, August 25, 8 p.m.
Arsenal (H) – Sunday, August 31, 4.30 p.m.
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