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September 13th-Aston Villa (H) 5:30PM BST, 12:30PM EST
We begin the month of September at home after two difficult away fixtures against Man City and Spurs to end August. Our two fixtures against the Villains last season were real nailbiters - a close run 1-0 win at Villa Park last August followed in January by a disappointing 2-2 draw at Anfield that looked to have put our hopes for 4th place in danger before that excellent close to the season that saw us finish second.
Villa were in danger of the drop for large parts of last season before key results near the end, most notably against Chelsea, were enough to keep them safe. Surely they'll get their act together at some point, as we're all reminded that they have a young team that needs to grow to reach their full potential. Perhaps this is the season?
September 20th-West Ham (A) 5:30PM BST, 12;30PM EST
West Ham are always a difficult opponent, especially at Upton Park. Big Sam always has his defense well stacked and primed, and they're deadly off the counter and with long balls, as with many Allardyce led sides in the past.
A dispatching at Anfield against them by a score of 4-1, was countered in April by a tense 2-1 finish at Upton Park last season, with Stevie G giving us the edge with a 2-1 lead via the penalty spot late on. The Reds will look at this as a must-win game going into the derby a week later, but that's not to say West Ham will be an easy three points.
September 27th-Everton (H) 12:45PM BST, 7:45PM EST
The first derby of the season, as usual for the past several years, comes quite early in the season. The Blue Half haven't made a really big signing so far in the transfer window, but announced the permanent arrival of Gareth Barry after a successful year on loan. They'll be without strikers Romelu Lukaku (probably) and Gerard Deulefeu, but seem to be keeping a firm hold on midfield player Ross Barkley, who's been linked with moves all over the place, including across Stanley Park to Anfield.
Personally, this match is the most important of this season yet so far, as it will be my first pilgrimage to Anfield for a match. I expect everything we're used to seeing in a derby, fire, passion, and lots and lots of drama. We may have the better side against Everton, but both sides always raise their game, and form goes out the window.