Liverpool are finally back in competitive action this weekend as they travel to Chelsea, but how many of their previous first-weekend fixtures can you remember? The Premier League is about to enter its 32nd season and the Reds are kicking things off with a trip to Stamford Bridge.
The opening day has produced some memorable encounters over the years, including a seven-goal thriller as recently as 2020. Last season saw Liverpool drop points in their first game for the first time since 2017, something Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to put right on Sunday afternoon. Mohamed Salah will also be hoping to continue his sensational run and make it seven consecutive seasons in which he has found the net on the opening day.
As we prepare to get the real business underway, let’s take a look back at the Reds’ 31 previous opening day opponents.
1989/90 – Arsenal (A) – Lost 0-2
Liverpool’s first ever Premier League fixture was an away trip to Arsenal in 1989/90. The Reds were unable to get off to a winning start, losing 2-0 at Highbury.
1990/91 – Crystal Palace (H) – Won 3-0
The following season saw Liverpool host Crystal Palace at Anfield for their opening game. The Reds ran out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Peter Beardsley, John Barnes and Ian Rush.
1991/92 – Sheffield United (A) – Won 2-1
Liverpool’s first game of the 1991/92 season was an away trip to Sheffield United. The Reds came away with all three points thanks to goals from Ian Rush and Mark Walters.
1992/93 – Middlesbrough (H) – Won 3-2
The 1992/93 season saw Liverpool host Middlesbrough at Anfield for their opening game. The Reds ran out 3-2 winners thanks to goals from Mark Walters, Neil Ruddock and John Barnes.
1993/94 – Sheffield Wednesday (A) – Lost 0-1
Liverpool’s 1993/94 season began with an away trip to Sheffield Wednesday. The Reds were unable to get off to a winning start, losing 1-0 at Hillsborough.
1994/95 – Sheffield Wednesday (H) – Won 2-1
The following season saw Liverpool host Sheffield Wednesday at Anfield for their opening game. The Reds ran out 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Robbie Fowler and Jamie Redknapp.
1995/96 – Leeds United (A) – Won 2-1
Liverpool’s 1995/96 season began with an away trip to Leeds United. The Reds came away with all three points thanks to goals from Robbie Fowler and Stan Collymore.
1996/97 – Middlesbrough (A) – Won 3-0
The 1996/97 season saw Liverpool travel to Middlesbrough for their opening game. The Reds ran out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler and Stan Collymore.
1997/98 – Wimbledon (H) – Won 3-1
The 1997/98 season saw Liverpool host Wimbledon at Anfield for their opening game. The Reds ran out 3-1 winners thanks to goals from Michael Owen, Patrik Berger and Steve McManaman.
1998/99 – West Ham United (A) – Drew 0-0
Liverpool’s 1998/99 season began with an away trip to West Ham United. The Reds were unable to break the deadlock, drawing 0-0 at Upton Park.
1999/00 – Southampton (H) – Won 3-0
The 1999/00 season saw Liverpool host Southampton at Anfield for their opening game. The Reds ran out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Michael Owen, Emile Heskey and Vegard Heggem.
2000/01 – Bradford City (A) – Won 1-0
Liverpool’s 2000/01 season began with an away trip to Bradford City. The Reds came away with all three points thanks to a goal from Michael Owen.
2001/02 – Ipswich Town (H) – Won 4-0
The 2001/02 season saw Liverpool host Ipswich Town at Anfield for their opening game. The Reds ran out 4-0 winners thanks to goals from Emile Heskey, Steven Gerrard, Danny