The release of the new season fixtures earlier this week was cause for excitement for fans across the country – and we've decided to raid our archives for a selection of classic images from Liverpool's opening-day encounters from over the years.

The Reds will play host to Stoke City at Anfield when the new campaign gets underway on August 17.

Kopites will be hoping Liverpool can get off to a flier against the Potters, and down the years we've been involved in some memorable - and one or two forgettable - first-day games.

Scroll through our slideshow below to relive some classic snaps and whet your appetite all over again before the big kick-off.

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[SLIDESHOW]