Getting face value tickets for a Liverpool game is not easy, not too many will go to general sale on the website or by phone due to season ticket holders, e-season tickets and a priority ticket scheme employed by the club.
Basically, the tickets are distributed to those that buy regularly first and the remainder (usually none) are distributed to the public.
Here's a link to the Liverpool ticket page...
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/tickets/info.htm
That said, for games against the less strong teams sometimes go on general sale, 2/3 weeks before the game.
It's easier to get tickets for early rounds of the cups; I've usually seen tickets on general sale for early Champions League group games, unless it's a big team.
What will happen with the Sunderland game is anyone’s guess.
As for buying at over the odds, I never used any tout website.
I have got tickets to cup games via general sale and also via a friend in Liverpool who knew a guy who knew a guy.
Three options:
1. Ask someone from Liverpool or who travels over there to pass on a ticket or two.
2. Travel and try pick up a ticket in pubs or at Anfield
3. Use a travel agent with sports packages. I'm considering using Abbey Travel myself but have never gone with them. Still expensive!!
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I have no affiliation to Abbey Travel.