Liverpool vs Manchester United could have the biggest Anfield crowd since 1977.
In order to obtain a licence from Liverpool City Council, Liverpool FC must prove the newly-built facilities are safe and suitable for hosting supporters.
The club has scheduled a special, free event on December 11 that will feature a live Q&A with manager Jurgen Klopp.
Around 3,000 fans will be welcomed to the ground to spend two hours in the top tier of Anfield next Monday in what will be a massive step towards the ground fully reopening again.
The stand will open in partial stages if successful with the first stage set to host around 5,500 fans.
This means it is possible that the game against United could see the biggest crowd the ground has seen since May 1977 when 55,675 fans watched a 0-0 draw against West Ham.
Liverpool plan to partially open the top tier of the Anfield Road Stand for the first time when they host their rivals, Manchester United on December 17.
The home of Liverpool FC has currently been operating at a recued capacity with the most recent attendance being just over 51,000 in their dramatic 4-3 win against Fulham on Sunday.
Planning permission was awarded by Liverpool City Council in June 2021 which would allow for 7000 additional seats, upping the capacity to 61,000.
With the ground in its current state, the club are estimated to be losing around £750,000 per game.
The initial target date for the opening of the stand was the start of the season but complications meant this had to be delayed when the contractor, Buckingham group, filed for administration.
The full opening won’t occur until at least the start of the new year so games against West Ham and Arsenal won’t witness a full Anfield.
It is unclear whether the clash against Newcastle on January 1 will be too early but it is understood that if the test next Monday is a success, no other further tests will be required.
Featured image (c) Charley Young
