Liverpool have been handed a mouth-watering Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Chelsea at Anfield.
And the more I think about it, the more I’m looking forward to this one.
There are so many interesting subplots surrounding the game, and for me there are five things in particular that stand out.
1\. Xabi Alonso is coming back to Anfield
This has to be number one.
Seeing Xabi Alonso back at Anfield is going to be something special.
Of course, this time he won’t be returning as a Liverpool player or as the manager of an opposing European side.
He’ll be walking into Anfield as Chelsea manager.
That is going to be a strange feeling for Liverpool supporters.
Alonso remains such a hugely popular figure with the Reds, and I’m sure he’ll receive a fantastic reception before the competitive side of things takes over.
Once that whistle goes, though, he’ll be trying to knock Liverpool out of the competition.
That makes the whole thing even more intriguing.
2\. Another chance to see the youngsters
This is another massive positive for me.
I loved seeing Trey Nyoni, James McConnell, Lewis Koumas and Rio Ngumoha given an opportunity against Tottenham.
Now they’ve got another potential opportunity to impress against Chelsea.
The question is whether Iraola sticks with a similar approach or brings more senior players into the team.
Personally, I’d still like to see some of these youngsters involved.
Chelsea will provide an even bigger test and that’s exactly what you want for players trying to establish themselves in the Liverpool first team.
3\. Another cup night at Anfield under the lights
There’s just something about these games.
Anfield under the lights, a cup tie, a big Premier League opponent and a place in the next round at stake.
After the atmosphere around the Spurs game, I’m already looking forward to another night like that.
And with Alonso returning, I think the occasion could be even more special.
4\. A place in the quarter-finals is up for grabs
Let’s not forget what is actually at stake.
This isn’t just another game.
Win it and Liverpool are in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We’re getting to the business end of the competition.
I’ve said before that I think the cup competitions could become particularly important for Liverpool this season, and this is another opportunity to move one step closer to a potential Wembley trip.
Chelsea obviously won’t make it easy, but if you want to win a trophy, you have to beat good teams eventually.
5\. Just how strong will Iraola go?
This might be the most interesting question of all.
Iraola made 10 changes against Tottenham and Liverpool still came through with a 3-1 victory.
But Chelsea are a different proposition.
Will he trust the youngsters again?
Will he put out a much stronger side?
Or will we get a mixture of experience and youth?
I suspect we’ll see something in between.
Iraola has already shown that he isn’t afraid to rotate, but he also clearly wants Liverpool to compete in this competition.
And with a place in the quarter-finals at stake and Chelsea standing in the way, it’ll be fascinating to see just how seriously he approaches it.
I can’t wait for this one
The Chelsea draw has given us another big cup night at Anfield to look forward to.
Xabi Alonso returning. The youngsters potentially getting another chance. Anfield under the lights. A place in the quarter-finals. And the big question of how strong Iraola will go.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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