Liverpool’s Premier League fixture changes for February have been confirmed, and they include another 12.30pm kickoff away from home. This has been a source of frustration for fans, as Liverpool has been asked to fill this slot multiple times in recent years. Even Jurgen Klopp himself has expressed his disappointment with the early kickoffs, especially after international breaks and midweek commitments.
In February, Liverpool will face Brentford at 12.30pm on Saturday, February 17. This will be their fifth lunchtime kickoff of the season, with four of them being away games. Unlike the previous ones, this match will not follow a midweek fixture or international break.
According to Premier League rules, clubs can only be selected to play at 12.30pm six times throughout the season. With the trip to Brentford, Liverpool will have reached five such occasions for the 2023/24 season so far.
Liverpool has had a mixed record in early kickoffs in recent years. Last season, they failed to win any of their six matches in this time slot, losing three and drawing three. However, this season has seen an improvement, with three wins and one draw in their four fixtures on TNT Sports.
Another change to Liverpool’s February schedule is their match against Arsenal at 4.30pm on Sunday, February 4. This game is expected to have significant implications for the title race, as both teams are currently at the top of the table.
Liverpool and Arsenal will face each other again in the reverse fixture at Anfield and in the third round of the FA Cup at the Emirates on January 7. If Liverpool can navigate through the busy festive period successfully, they are likely to remain in contention for the title when the newly-changed February fixtures come around.
Despite Klopp’s dislike for competing at 12.30pm, he will have a week between the matches against Burnley and Brentford, giving him hope of getting a positive result and maintaining their good record in this time slot.