Carra pleased with home start
Jamie Carragher is hoping Liverpool can make the most of a rare home start and begin the 2011-12 Barclays Premier League season with a bang.
Though the Reds opened last term with an Anfield clash against Arsenal, it was the first time they had got a league campaign underway on home soil since 2003.
Sunderland will provide the opposition this time around before Liverpool travel to north London the following weekend to tackle the Gunners.
And while Carragher is under no illusions about the difficulty of the Reds' opening to the season, he's well aware of the benefits a flying start can bring.
He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It doesn't really who you get in the first game - it's always a massive and tough game.
"There is so much on the first game and I am really pleased we are at home because it's not often that happens for us. Hopefully we can take advantage.
"It's important to get off to a good start, but that is the same for everyone. Sunderland will be in our minds now throughout pre-season and we'll be in their minds as well.
"Arsenal away will obviously be a tough game - but it will be a tough game for them as well."
A quirk of the 2011-12 fixture list means Liverpool's new signing Jordan Henderson could make his league debut against his former club Sunderland on the opening day of the season.
Carragher added: "Football always seems to bring up things like this. It's a big start for him.
"Kenny (Dalglish) will pick his team after pre-season, but he's spent a few bob on Jordan, so I am sure he is going to play a big part for us. He's a good young player."
Click here for Liverpool's 2011-12 Barclays Premier League fixture list in full>>
