Liverpool’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Bournemouth at Anfield looks set to take place on Wednesday 16 December, with the Premier League schedule pointing towards that date.
The Reds booked their place in the last eight after edging past Chelsea on penalties at Anfield, and the quarter-final draw has handed Andoni Iraola a reunion with his former club Bournemouth.
Why Wednesday 16 December Makes Sense
Bournemouth are scheduled to face Arsenal away in the Premier League on Sunday 13 December, while Liverpool are due to host Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday 19 December.
That leaves Wednesday 16 December as a logical date for the cup tie, fitting neatly between the two league fixtures.
However, the date should still be treated as expected rather than officially confirmed until the EFL or Liverpool announce the final arrangements. The quarter-finals are scheduled for the week commencing 14 December.
Iraola Faces His Former Club
There is an extra storyline to this tie, with Iraola coming up against Bournemouth, the club he previously managed before taking charge at Liverpool.
The Liverpool boss will want to turn that reunion into another step towards silverware. After getting past Chelsea in a tense penalty shootout, the Reds are now just three wins away from lifting the Carabao Cup.
Bournemouth will be no easy opponent, but playing at Anfield gives Liverpool a real opportunity to reach the semi-finals.
Liverpool Have Silverware in Their Sights
For me, this is exactly the sort of cup tie Liverpool need to take seriously. The Premier League remains important, but a trophy would be a huge boost for Iraola and his squad.
The possible date also means a busy December, with the Bournemouth cup tie sandwiched between two Premier League matches. Squad rotation could be important, but Liverpool cannot afford to take their eye off the prize.
Liverpool vs Bournemouth is expected to be played on Wednesday 16 December, although official confirmation is still awaited.
Would you like to see Iraola go strong against his former club, or make changes to keep the squad fresh for the league?
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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