Liverpool’s Busy Schedule: Opponents Before and After Europa League Quarter-Finals
Liverpool’s pursuit of more silverware has led them to a packed April schedule, with their Europa League quarter-final tie against Atalanta looming on the horizon. Jurgen Klopp and his side will need to safely navigate beyond the Serie A team, as they face important league fixtures before and after both quarter-final legs.
Atalanta secured their spot in the last eight with a 3-1 aggregate win over Sporting CP, a team managed by Ruben Amorim, who was rumored to be a contender for the Liverpool job in the summer. This sets up an exciting clash between two talented sides in the Europa League.
The first leg of the quarter-final will be held at Anfield on April 11, with Liverpool then traveling to Italy on April 18 for the second leg. These fixtures will require the Reds to balance their focus and energy between European competition and domestic league matches.
However, the scheduling becomes even more complicated for Liverpool if they progress to the FA Cup semi-final. In that case, their league trip to Fulham will be pushed back to a later date. This demonstrates the price of success for Klopp’s team, as they juggle multiple competitions and try to maintain their momentum.
Another fixture that needs to be rescheduled is the highly anticipated Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park. Currently, only two free midweek slots are available for postponed games to be accommodated: April 24/25 and May 15/16. This further adds to Liverpool’s congested fixture list.
Despite these challenges, Klopp remains optimistic about the availability of key players. Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all expected to make their comebacks during this stage of the campaign. Alisson, who has been out due to a serious hamstring injury, is also nearing his return in April. In the meantime, Caoimhin Kelleher has stepped up and performed admirably in the absence of the Brazilian goalkeeper.
Liverpool’s upcoming schedule is undoubtedly demanding, with five games scheduled within a 13-day period. However, this is not unfamiliar territory for Klopp and his team, as they have become accustomed to playing matches every midweek and weekend until the end of the season. The Reds will need to draw upon their depth and resilience as they navigate this crucial stage of their campaign.
As Liverpool fans eagerly anticipate their team’s performance in the Europa League quarter-finals, they can take solace in the fact that Klopp’s side is well-prepared and determined to continue their pursuit of silverware. With key players returning from injury and a strong squad at their disposal, Liverpool will look to conquer both Europe and the domestic league in their quest for success.