Liverpool have two possible fixture dates for their penultimate game of the Premier League season, while Alisson and Curtis Jones‘ futures are in the headlines again.
Liverpool still facing fixture uncertainty vs. Aston Villa
The Premier League have finally confirmed the schedule for the penultimate weekend of action, though it still comes with nuances that could see Liverpool’s match moved back 40 hours.
Liverpool face Aston Villa at Villa Park in mid-May, and the Premier League have allocated a Sunday, 12.30pm (BST) start on May 17. Sounds reasonable, right?
But it could move to Friday, May 15 at 8pm if Villa reach the Europa League final, which they are favourites to do as they face Nottingham Forest in the semi-final.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 1, 2025: Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai has his shirt pulled by Aston Villa's goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Aston Villa FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It shows further discontent to supporters of both clubs, with the fate of the fixture not to be determined until the evening of May 7, which could leave only eight days notice for the league match.
Who needs plenty of prior notice when you can give fans a little over a week to confirm plans, eh?
LFC News: Anthony Gordon rebuffed, Curtis Jones latest and referees vs. Man United
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, January 1, 2024: Curtis Jones and Anthony Gordon during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Newcastle United FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Curtis Jones would reportedly prefer to stay at Liverpool if he “could be the main man,” but there’s little indication he’d be given those assurances
• Fabrizio Romano has reported Alisson “would be tempted” by a return to Italy, with Juventus open to a three-year contract (two-year deal with one-year option), but it’s on Liverpool to “decide” his future
• Liverpool need a maximum of five points to secure Champions League football for next season after Man United‘s recent win – Reds, don’t make it dramatic, please!
• Speaking of United, they face two injury concerns for Liverpool’s visit this weekend, with Matheus Cunha and Luke Shaw both doubtful – with two centre-backs already ruled out
• If you were hoping Liverpool would revive their interest in Anthony Gordon, you may be left disappointed as the latest report suggests there are no plans to make a move this summer
• Darren England will referee Liverpool’s trip to Man United, with Stuart Attwell on VAR alongside his assistant Constantine Hatzidakis, the official that elbowed Andy Robertson. What a combo.
Why the Kop claps opposition goalkeepers
Liverpool’s unique tradition of applauding opposition goalkeepers started 60 years ago, but how did it come to be? Joanna Durkan took a look:
“As for its origins, statisticians Ged Rea and Dave Ball and journalist John Keith previously told This Is Anfield that it most likely began in the 1960s, namely with World Cup winner Gordon Banks in 1966.
“I always remember the game after England had won the World Cup in 1966, Liverpool played Everton in the Charity Shield and then the first game here [at Anfield] was in the league against Leicester City,” Ball recalled.
“Gordon Banks was in the Leicester goal, and I think Shankly had sent him out early doors to take the cheers from the Kop and everything.
“But when he came out to face Liverpool, the Kop went absolutely ballistic. That was the first time I had ever seen the Kop react the way they did.”
Football News: John Stones to leave Man City and Jose Mourinho to return to Real Madrid?
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 21, 2024: Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Jose Mourinho is the president of Real Madrid‘s “favoured” candidate to take over as head coach. If that’s the case, Trent might need to start practicing how to run! (David Ornstein, Athletic)
• John Stones has announced he will leave Man City at the end of the season after 10 years at the club. He joins Bernardo Silva in leaving (MCFC)
• Brighton have announced plans to build the first purpose-built women’s stadium in the UK and Europe next to the Amex – they hope to have it open by 2030/31 (BHAFC)
• Chelsea have emerged as interested suitors for Xabi Alonso after they sacked Liam Rosenior. Surely he’s wise enough to swerve them…right?
• Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has confirmed Arsenal‘s interest in Julian Alvarez ahead of the team’s meeting in the Champions League – he’s better than set-piece football
Liverpool FC: On this day
Liverpool celebrate winning the first division title. 1990. 1990s
April 28, 1990 saw Liverpool lift their 18th title, their last for 30 years, as Liverpool came from behind to beat QPR 2-1 at Anfield to wrap up the league with two matches to spare.
After Roy Wegerle had put the away team ahead, an Ian Rush strike and penalty from John Barnes ensured three points for the Reds, and Aston Villa‘s draw with Norwich meant Kenny Dalglish‘s side wrapped up the title.
No one could anticipate the wait that would follow for the next title celebration.