Liverpool now know who they will be facing in the third round of the Carabao Cup after Thursday morning’s 4.15am draw in Beijing.
The Reds will come up against familiar opponents in Leicester City during the week commencing September 18- days before Jurgen Klopp’s men will travel back to the King Power Stadium for their Premier League clash on September 23.
#LFC have been drawn to face @LCFC away from home in the third round of the Carabao Cup. pic.twitter.com/TNPaVzhfBY
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 24, 2017
Details of Liverpool’s opponents will be news to most, no thanks to the early morning draw, timed to ensure audiences in China were able to view it.
The decision to hold the draw at such an unusual time stems from Thai energy drink brand Carabao signing a deal to sponsor the League Cup.
A trip to Leicester is rarely straight forward, with striker Jamie Vardy proving to be an unyielding nuisance for the Reds back four.
That said, the tie represents another valuable opportunity for Klopp to utilise the club’s young stars, with the added bonus of it being against Premier League opposition.
The likes of Ben Woodburn, Ovie Ejaria and Marko Grujic will all be fighting to play a role in these types of games, although 18-year-old Trent Alexander-Arnold could be given a rest if he continues as the club’s starting right-back.
Striker Danny Ings could also compete for a chance to play, having returned to action for the U23s team after his lengthy injury layoff during the 2016/2017 campaign.
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