Liverpool FC to play Chelsea in League Cup third round

August 30, 2018
Karl Matchett

Liverpool will take on Chelsea at Anfield in the League Cup third round.

The undoubted draw of the round, the Reds were pulled out early on and will face Premier League rivals Chelsea, now under Maurizio Sarri’s guidance.

With the game taking place on either September 25 or 26, it means the Reds will face the blues twice in a row—first in the cup, then at the weekend in the Premier League.

While an easier draw might have been hoped for early on in the competition, it will at least be a home fixture for Jurgen Klopp‘s side.

Last season Liverpool played just the once in the League Cup, an away game at Leicester City which they lost 2-0. Coincidentally, the Reds also played their opponents twice in a row then: that cup defeat, then a 3-2 win over the Foxes the following weekend.

Liverpool last reached the League Cup final in Jurgen Klopp‘s first campaign in charge, in 2016, losing to Man City at Wembley.

The Reds last won the trophy in 2012, Kenny Dalglish leading the side to a penalty shoot-out win over Cardiff City.

That remains the last trophy the club lifted, and though this domestic competition remains fourth on the list of priorities, it is nonetheless another chance to taste success.

The big decision now for the manager will be whether to play the fringe and squad players, as might have been expected, or whether to play a stronger side given the quality of opposition.

Losing to Leicester last year denied rotation players the chance to play more cup games in the first half of the season—though the squad looks far stronger this term overall.