Liverpool may be forced to play their first home games of next season away from Anfield.
Should Jurgen Klopp’s side qualify for the Europa League, the current expansion of the Main Stand will see the Reds’ stadium incomplete in time to host any potential qualifiers, which are set to take place between the end of July and the beginning of August.
The expected completion date for the refurbishment is due to be completed in time for the start of the new Premier League campaign but any competitive games before that August 13 start are likely to see Liverpool decamp to one of their North West counterparts’ homes.
Blackburn’s Ewood Park, Wigan’s DW Stadium and Bolton’s Macron Stadium have all emerged as viable alternative venues, as part of plans in place by Anfield officials, but plans to approach local rivals Everton for the use of nearby Goodison Park have been discounted.
With Manchester City expected to secure Champions League qualification this season, their automated Europa League place, secured with victory over Liverpool in the Capital One Cup final, will be extended to the Premier League’s fifth-placed team.
Should West Ham or Manchester United win both the FA Cup and finish no lower than sixth in the table, the side that finishes in seventh would also be afforded a Europa League place.