Liverpool are putting the final touches to their plans of welcoming back fans to Anfield this month.
As many as 10,000 supporters will be permitted in the ground when the Reds host Crystal Palace for the final game of the Premier League season in two weeks' time.
It will be the largest crowd at the iconic stadium since Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid back in March 2020.
And after Saturday's 2-0 win over Southampton, the club have stepped up their efforts to ensure things run smoothly on May 23 when Palace are entertained by Jurgen Klopp's side.
The seat coverings that have remained in place around Anfield during the behind-closed-doors games have now been removed.
The fences that have been in place for the last year were also taken down after the game on Saturday night as the roads around Anfield re-opened for vehicles to pass through freely.
It means fans will now be free to walk through the concourse for the first time in over a year.
Liverpool have also asked their stewards to report for duty before 11am on May 23, over five hours before kick-off against Palace, as they aim to execute the safe comeback of their supporters without a hitch.
It is also understood the club are planning to order new uniforms for their stewards, who were contacted on Saturday about the plans for the return of fans for the final game of what has been a disappointing Premier League campaign.
Liverpool played against Wolves, Tottenham and West Brom in December with around 2,000 in attendance for each, but the visit from the Eagles later this month will be the largest crowd at a domestic game at Anfield since a 2-1 win over Bournemouth on March 7, 2020.
Supporters who attended one of those games this season were not eligible for the ballot, while NFC (Near Field Communication) technology will again be used to allow fans to gain access using an electronic ticket on their smartphone to minimise physical contact.
Fans who will be at the game will be season ticket holders or official members with 19 credits from the 2018/19 Premier League season, while the Fan Update must also be completed.
A COVID-19 test prior to the game is not mandatory but is being encouraged, it is understood.
Liverpool have been working closely with their city partners, Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police and Spirit of Shankly to create a robust plan in line with Government guidance.
Klopp's side have suffered in the absence of their fans, losing six games at home this season in total.
Those half-dozen defeats came in successive games between late January and early March as Liverpool lost six times at home consecutively for the first time in the club's history.
“I miss the fans so much," Trent Alexander-Arnold said in December.
"It feels empty without them. Even though you know they're watching at home and they're all over the world tuning in, it's not the same without them.
"Football’s not the same.”
The game will represent something of a landmark moment for the club as football aims to implement the safe return of supporters across the country in full next season.
