Liverpool's Steven Gerrard. Photo: AP/Clint Hughes Source: AP
ENGLISH Premier League soccer giant Liverpool is to play Melbourne Victory at the MCG on July 24, it has been confirmed.
It will be Liverpool's only fixture in Australia, and is its first visit here.
Premier Denis Napthine said he expected a big crowd.
"I think it will be at least 70,000, so I would say to people to get in early because this is an absolutely rare (sporting) event for Melbourne.
"This is Liverpool with their full squad and they will be only a few weeks away from the kick-off of the new EPL season, so they will be absolutely doing their best," Dr Napthine said.
Liverpool is likely to bring a full-strength squad, which includes team captain and England skipper Steven Gerrard.
Liverpool is one of the most popular English soccer clubs in Australia with more than 3.6 million Australian visits to its website in the past six months, a million of those from Melbourne.
Dr Napthine counts himself a Liverpool fan going back to the 1980s.
"That's who Craig Johnston used to play for. When I was younger he was the first association I had with an Australian who was playing in the big league, and he played in an FA Cup-winning team," he said.
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre said the club was delighted to be playing Victory.
"We know we have a large fan base in Australasia, and this visit shows our commitment to bringing the club closer to our fans all over the globe, no matter how far away from (home ground) Anfield they live," Mr Ayre said.
Tickets go on sale Thursday, April 11 at 9am, from ticketek.com
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