Liverpool have won the Premier League with four matches remaining and will have the chance to celebrate it against Chelsea on Sunday.
The Reds moved level with rivals Manchester United on 20 English top-flight titles after smashing Tottenham 5-1 on Sunday.
In doing so, Arne Slot has ended Man City’s run of three consecutive Premier League trophies in his first year since replacing Jurgen Klopp.
And now Liverpool are set to receive a guard of honour from Chelsea‘s players before their Premier League showdown takes place.
The timely tradition dates back to 1955 when Man United first provided one, ironically for the Blues.
Is a Guard of Honour compulsory?
Premier League sides are under no obligation, nor is there anything in the regulations that requires them to provide a guard of honour.
The sign of respect sees a team line up on parallel sides to applaud the newly crowned champions as they walk out onto the pitch.
It is seen as a mark of respect between the two clubs, but opposing players are under no requirement to take part should they refuse.
As was the case when Man City gave Liverpool a guard of honour in 2020 to commemorate their rivals’ ending their 30-year wait for a league title.
Bernardo Silva was captured not clapping and instead held drinks in both hands before leaving early as the Reds came out.
Guard of honours in English football
1955 – Man United give Chelsea guard of honour for Blues’ first title win
1972 – Leeds for Arsenal’s First Division and FA Cup Double in 1971
1974 – QPR for Leeds’ second First Division title
1979 – Leeds for Liverpool’s third title in four years
1991 – Arsenal for Man United winning the First Division title
2003 – Everton for Man United
2005 – Man United for Chelsea’s first Premier League title
2007 – Chelsea for Man United
2011 – Blackpool for Man United
2013 – Arsenal for Man United…and Robin van Persie
2015 – Liverpool for Chelsea
2016 – Everton and Chelsea for Leicester
2017 – Watford and Sunderland for Chelsea
2018 – Swansea, West Ham, Huddersfield and Brighton for Man City
2020 – Man City, Aston Villa, Brighton, Burnley, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle for Liverpool
2021 – Newcastle and Everton for Man City
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While usually reserved to respect the new champions, Roberto Firmino, John Terry, and Sir Alex Ferguson have also received their personal guard of honour ahead of their final games for Liverpool, Man United, and Chelsea.
While Enzo Maresca is yet to officially announce plans to do the same on Sunday, his Stamford Bridge predecessor oversaw the last guard of honour for the newly crowned Premier League champions.
Frank Lampard ensured Chelsea gave his former club Man City a guard of honour on the final day of the 2022/23 season.
He said: “The only inspiration should be what it’s taken City to get where they are.
“The trophy lift is something to be respectful of. Understanding why they are lifting it is another.
“I remember getting that [a guard of honour] as a player, and it was something that was very respectful, so I have no problem with that at all.”