Adverse weather in northern England cast a shadow over the Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield this Sunday.
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Heavy snowfall in Liverpool areaOfficials kept close eye on Met Office updatesGame to go aheadFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
There has been heavy snowfall in the Liverpool area over the last 24 hours, though it is expected to clear prior to Sunday's slated 4:30pm kick-off. However, the potential for lingering hazardous conditions, particularly around the stadium and its surrounding areas, could jeopardise the game. The safety of players, staff and supporters remains paramount, and any deterioration in conditions was in danger of forcing a decision to postpone.
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However, authorities have decided the game can be played as planned following meetings on Sunday morning.
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The pitch at Anfield is believed to be in top condition and ready to play, but it is the safety of supporters heading to and from Anfield was the main factor used to determine whether the match would go ahead.
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If the fixture had been called off, finding a new date to reschedule the game would have presented logistical difficulties. Liverpool’s already congested schedule, compounded by the previous postponement of the Merseyside Derby against Everton due to Storm Darragh, left few available weekends. The derby is tentatively set for either gameweek 24 or 25 in early February, but Liverpool's potential progression in the Carabao Cup and other tournaments may narrow the options further.