Liverpool's Raheem Sterling celebrates his goal against West Ham during the English Premier League soccer match at Anfield, Liverpool. (AP Photo/Peter Byrne, PA Wire)
Liverpool's Raheem Sterling celebrates his goal against West Ham during the English Premier League soccer match at Anfield, Liverpool. (AP Photo/Peter Byrne, PA Wire)
Liverpool will return to Australia in July after confirming blockbuster pre-season clashes with Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United.
The English Premier League club will take on the Roar at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, July 17, and then play the Reds at Adelaide Oval on Monday, July 20 in their firstvisits to the cities.
It is Liverpool's second trip Down Under in quick order, following their memorable 2-0 win over Melbourne Victory in July 2013 in front of more than 95,000 fans at the MCG.
Both fixtures will add to an already packed month of soccer, with the International Champions Cup tournament - featuring Real Madrid, Manchester City and AS Roma - also to be staged in July in Melbourne.
It's anticipated both of Liverpool's matches will sell out the 52,500-seat Suncorp Stadium and 53,500-seat Adelaide Oval.
Liverpool chief executive officer Ian Ayre said the club received incredible support on their last visit, with the Victory friendly arguably outstripping the A-League All Stars clash against Manchester United for general interest.
"Liverpool FC has over 600,000 supporters in Australia and we look forward to meeting as many of them as possible while we are in the country," he said.
"Pre-season is an important time for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season and the matches against Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United are an exciting part of that preparation, giving our supporters a chance to see the team up close, no matter how far away from Anfield they live."
Liverpool, who were runners-up in last year's EPL and sit seventh on the ladder this season, boast stars including England internationals Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling, Slovakian defender Martin Skrtel, Ivorian Kolo Toure and Australian goalkeeper Brad Jones.
However, the club's inspirational skipper Steven Gerrard will leave for the LA Galaxy at the end of the season and will not be part of the trip.
Brisbane Roar managing director Sean Dobson said it would be a proud moment for the club to host Liverpool FC.
"To be on the same field with Liverpool FC, one of the true giants of world football, reinforces Brisbane Roar's standing as Australia's premier football club," Dobson said.
"It will be a special night for all our members and fans as they cheer on the Roar against such legendary opponents playing on our home ground."
