Liverpool Champions League confusion addressed after Premier League statement
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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCLiverpool supporters have been given a major hint over when to expect the Reds' Champions League round of 16 games to take placeLiverpool will have to wait until Friday before they discover the identity of their opponents in the Champions League round of 16.But supporters already have a very good idea of how they can plan their calendar between now and next month's international break as the Reds prepare for a pivotal run of seven games in 22 days.The introduction of two extra matches in the Champions League opening stage and the requirement of a play-off round to help determine the 16 teams for the knockout stage has meant there is a much quicker turnaround of matches.READ MORE: Real Madrid appeal over Florian Wirtz transfer revealed after Liverpool £116m dealREAD MORE: Alexander Isak intrigue grows as Sweden make claim over Liverpool striker - 'fingers crossed'Indeed, there will be less than a fortnight between this week's draw for the round of 16 and Liverpool's first leg away from home taking place.A statement from the Premier League this week, though, has hinted heavily at when those games will take place - and that the Reds' scheduled top-flight matches during the period will remain unaffected.The Premier League announced West Ham United v Manchester City on Saturday, March 14 at 12.30pm and Arsenal v Everton on Sunday, March 15 at 2pm are at risk of being changed as a result of the upcoming draw for the Champions League knockout stages.In the case of City, it's because UEFA cannot guarantee their first away leg will take place on Tuesday, March 10. The Premier League have introduced a rule that teams who play away in the Champions League on a Wednesday are not involved in a Saturday early kick-off.That the Arsenal game is also under threat, though, is what directly affects Liverpool.
Similar to the Reds, both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will be at home in their Champions League round of 16 second leg tie having finished in the top eight in the league stage.As with Liverpool and Everton, the North London neighbours do not play home games on the same day. And with Liverpool's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday, March 15 at 4.30pm not under threat of being changed, it indicates both teams must be playing the second leg of their Champions League tie on the Wednesday.While it will only be officially confirmed after Friday's draw, everything points to Liverpool playing their round of 16 away leg on Tuesday, March 10 and the home game on Wednesday, March 18.And having avoided an away game in the second leg, the Reds' top-flight trip to Brighton will go ahead as planned at 12.30pm on Saturday, March 21.Liverpool begin a busy period with a home Premier League against West Ham United on Saturday (3pm) before a double-header against Wolves in the league on Tuesday (8.15pm) ahead of another trip to Molineux in the FA Cup fifth round three days later (8pm).Liverpool FCUEFA Champions League