You'll have plenty to celebrate when you subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Liverpool fans have been urged to arrive earlier for matches this season as a result of increased security checks at Anfield.

A 54,000 sell-out crowd will attend Saturday's first home game of the campaign against Crystal Palace.

The Reds have issued a plea for fans to get to the stadium at least 45 minutes before the 3pm kick-off.

Body searches and metal detectors will be in use and the club are asking supporters to avoid taking bags with them.

Liverpool FC's head of club and supporter liaison Tony Barrett said: “Obviously supporters have their own match day routines and rituals and as a club we wouldn’t want to impinge on those, but the one thing we would ask is that fans arrive at Anfield early.

“Ideally, that would mean getting to the stadium at least 45 minutes before kick-off to allow sufficient time to get to their seats and enjoy the build up to our first home game of the season.

“As ever, there will be security checks on the way into the stadium and we would urge fans not to bring large bags with them because they will not be allowed into the ground.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

“Anyone carrying a small personal bag should expect it to be searched and tagged on entry.

“The security steps that we are taking are in the interests of everyone who attends games at Anfield so we would ask that supporters are patient as we go through the necessary procedures.”

The Fan Zones, which are located in Paisley Square and Anfield Road, will be open from four hours before kick-off.

Supporters are also being encouraged to use public transport where possible to ease congestion around the stadium.

The 917 bus services will run direct from Liverpool city centre to Anfield every 10 minutes. Reduced fares are available for fans travelling in groups.

Walking routes are signposted from Lime Street and nearby Sandhills and Kirkdale stations, while the Soccerbus will continue to operate from Sandhills.

The LFC Cycle Hub will return to Stanley Park for the new season with fans able to leave bikes in a safe and secure environment.

Barrett added: "Obviously, Anfield is a built up residential area and no additional parking is available this season which means public transport will be the easiest and most efficient way to get to and from the stadium."