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Liverpool are set to jet off to Australia for a one-off friendly just days after the Premier League season comes to an end.
The Reds are expected to take on an A-League All-Stars team in front of 100,000 fans at Melbourne Cricket Ground following a gruelling campaign, where they can still clinch two major trophies despite their Champions League heartbreak.
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The Reds' recent elimination at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain has cleared the way for a post-season trip Down Under following their final league fixture against Crystal Palace on May 25.
Should Arne Slot's side lift the Premier League title, as many expect they will, a victory parade could be held in the streets of Liverpool on Monday May 26.
Their match against the All-Stars is set to take place just days later, coinciding with the A-League’s grand final festivities, which will end in the championship decider on the weekend of 31 May - the same weekend as the Champions League final.
Discussions between the Australian Professional Leagues and the Victorian government had explored the possibility of multiple European heavyweights coming to Melbourne.
However, scheduling around the Champions League final - which will be played at Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena on May 31 - proved a challenge.
Liverpool, the Premier League’s most-watched club in 2023/24 with a staggering 471million cumulative viewers, has always been the preferred option.
The club has a history of drawing massive crowds in Australia. A sold-out MCG crowd of 95,000 witnessed their 2-0 victory over Melbourne Victory in 2013.
In 2015, Liverpool played in front of 50,000 and 53,000 fans against Brisbane Roar - who were formerly managed by Anfield legend Robbie Fowler - and Adelaide United.
Their 2017 visit saw them defeat Sydney FC 3-0 in front of nearly 73,000 spectators at Stadium Australia.
Last year, the MCG hosted an exhibition match between Newcastle and Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham, attracting 78,419 fans.
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Newcastle triumphed in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
Two nights later, a youthful Newcastle side, featuring Socceroo Garang Kuol, suffered an 8-0 thrashing at the hands of the A-League All-Stars, coached by Patrick Kisnorbo.
This time, Liverpool is only expected to play a single match against the All-Stars.
With three Victorian clubs currently in the A-League’s top six, there’s also a strong chance that the league’s grand final will take place in Melbourne.
Liverpool are currently dominating the Premier League title race, sitting 15 points clear of Arsenal.
Their star-studded squad features Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk, and world-class Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker - all of which are global names for football fans.
Jason Cundy claims Liverpool 'had it coming' after crashing out of the Champions League Vs PSG
Despite their penalty shoot-out defeat to PSG bringing an end to their Champions League run, the Merseysiders are still in strong contention for two trophies this season.
Initially, a quadruple was on the cards with the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup all looking hopeful.
However, now it seems as though the league title is all but theirs, and the League Cup final against Newcastle on Sunday brings them their first chance at silverware.
