Liverpool are likely to play eight games in December, with the Reds also flying out for the Club World Cup in Qatar, but if they make it through against Arsenal tomorrow night in the Carabao Cup, that could become nine.

It’s a massive fixture pileup in a crucial part of the season and Liverpool’s squad could come under huge pressure if they have to deal with injuries as well. Some ESPN pundits have been debating whether Jurgen Klopp’s side would benefit from going out of the cups early:

The fixture congestion does mean that progressing in the Carabao Cup isn’t a priority but the competition does offer a good opportunity for youngsters to impress.

Harvey Elliott was excellent against MK Dons in the last round, and players like Rhian Brewster and Curtis Jones also need more game time at senior level. They are unlikely to get many matches in other competitions so it could also be argued that staying in the cups could benefit the squad as a whole.