Liverpool to play MK Dons in League Cup third round

August 28, 2019
Jack Lusby

Liverpool have been drawn against League One side MK Dons in the third round of the League Cup, a stage they have failed to progress from since the 2016/17 campaign.

The Reds have lost to Leicester and Chelsea in the League Cup third round in the past two years respectively, with Jurgen Klopp using the competition to rotate his side.

It is likely a similar approach will be employed this season, with the likes of Adam Lallana, Xherdan Shaqiri, Rhian Brewster and Harvey Elliott hopeful of game time and an opportunity to impress.

This chance could come against MK Dons in the week commencing September 23, with Liverpool drawn against the League One side on Wednesday night.

Paul Tisdale’s side are currently 15th in the third tier, and could be looking to produce a convincing run in the League Cup heading into 2020.

The tie will be held in the last week of September, with Liverpool set to play Chelsea (Sept 22) and Sheffield United (Sept 28) on either side in the league.

This should ensure a midweek fixture, with Wednesday, September 25 the most likely date.

The two sides have never met in their history, with the Dons only having been formed in 2004.

Liverpool last won the League Cup under Kenny Dalglish in 2012, when they defeated Cardiff 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Wembley.

Klopp led the Reds to the final in his first season in charge, but suffered a 3-1 shootout loss to Man City, after Philippe Coutinho cancelled out Fernandinho’s opener.

The club holds the record for the most League Cup wins in history, with eight, including four consecutive triumphs between 1981 and 1984—over West Ham, Tottenham, Man United and Everton.