Liverpool kickstart the new season at the Britannia Stadium, where last season ended in disappointing fashion and the Reds bid farewell to Steven Gerrard.
The first game often sets the tone for the campaign ahead with fans getting the opportunity to see new signings pull on the famous Liverpool shirt.
We take a look back at the previous five opening day matches the Reds have played.
August 17, 2014 – Liverpool 2-1 Southampton
The Reds signed three players from Southampton in the summer of 2014: Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert, so some may say it was destiny that they would make their debuts against their former club (except Lallana who was missing through injury).
Expectations were high at Anfield after narrowly missing out on a league title the previous season, and qualifying for the Champions League after a five-year absence.
Raheem Sterling opened the scoring for Brendan Rodgers’ side in the first half.
After the break, now Liverpool full-back Nathaniel Clyne pulled the Saints back into the game before Daniel Sturridge – who was getting used to life without forward partner Luis Suarez – gave Liverpool all three points.
August 17, 2013 – Liverpool 1-0 Stoke City
Brendan Rodgers’ men will be hoping for the same sort of result on the opening day against the Potters this season as they did two years ago.
Simon Mignolet, Kolo Toure and the not so prolific Iago Aspas made their debuts, as Mark Hughes took charge of his first game as Stoke boss.
It only needed one goal to separate the two sides and Daniel Sturridge was the man that got it, eight minutes before the half-time interval.
It was a nervy opening day for the Reds with Stoke defender Robert Huth hitting the bar, and then in the 88th minute Daniel Agger handled a free-kick, but Mignolet got his Liverpool career off to a super start by saving Jon Walters’ penalty to give the Reds the win.
August 18, 2012 – West Bromwich Albion 3-0 Liverpool
The first game of Rodgers’ reign as Liverpool manager was one to forget. His first starting XI included Joe Allen and Fabio Borini, who were making their first appearance for the Merseysiders.
The Northern Irishman made a bold move and left Jamie Carragher on the bench for the first game of what was to be his last season as a footballer.
The hosts took the lead just before half-time thanks to Zoltan Gera’s spectacular strike.
Daniel Agger was then sent off for bringing down Shane Long in the penalty area, but the Baggies man missed from the spot.
Martin Skrtel then conceded another spot-kick, and this time Peter Odemwingie doubled West Brom’s lead.
Romelu Lukaku then made it three to cap off a bad day at the office for Liverpool.
August 13, 2011 – Liverpool 1-1 Sunderland
Then manager Kenny Dalglish gave Jose Enrique, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing their debuts.
The bench was less than inspiring with David Ngog and Jay Spearing included.
Early on, Luis Suarez was tripped by Kieran Richardson in the penalty area but sent his penalty flying over the bar which would prove costly for the Reds, however he did nod Liverpool in front after 12 minutes from a Charlie Adam cross.
Seven minutes into the second half, Sebastian Larsson scored a superb volley to pull the Black Cats level.
Liverpool finished the season in a disappointing eighth-place, however did win the Carling Cup and reach the FA Cup final.
August 15, 2010 – Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
It was a time that the club were in turmoil financially, with owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett very nearly sending the club into administration and matters on the pitch weren’t much better either.
Manager at the time Roy Hodgson brought in 10 new additions. Joe Cole and Milan Jovanovic were both handed debuts, with Fernando Torres left on the bench.
Cole’s debut only lasted 45 minutes, as he fouled Laurent Koscienly and received a straight red card.
However, shortly after the break, David Ngog scored a rare league goal to put the Reds ahead.
Liverpool looked to have had the game in the bag but in injury time Pepe Reina was the unlikely culprit to have cost Hodgson’s side all three points.
Both teams did finish the game with 10 men after Koscienly himself committed two bookable offences.
