It might only be 3rd of September, three games into the Premier League Season, but Liverpool Coach Arne Slot is already no doubt scratching his head trying to work out player workloads after the International break as the dates for the Carling Cup match against west Ham are announced. And it could be good news for Julen Lopetegui’s side.
Wednesday September 25th doesn’t seem any worse or any better for West Ham United. But for Liverpool it means five games in fifteen days and a congested period for our opponents with West Ham’s visit being the fourth in the series: Quite probably the Liverpool team will need to be rotated and prioritised accordingly.
The Reds full fixture list is as follows:
Nottingham Forest at Home, Premier League, Sat 14th September
A C Milan, Away, Champions League, Wednesday 17th September
Bournemouth, Home, Premier League Saturday 21st September
West Ham United, Home, Carling Cup, Wednesday 25 September
Wolves Away, Premier League Saturday 28th September.
And their existing fixtures mean they will play a total of 7 games in 22 days in September.
Now, you tell me, if you were a PL Manager, with your team coming back after an International Break with many miles already spent travelling to, and playing for, several countries, which game would you target to rotate or rest several of your main players? Won’t be the Champions League or Premier League Games, will it?
Much more likely the ‘third tier’ competition: I’d just hazard a guess that many of those front line, first choice players we saw demolish Manchester United at Old Trafford last Sunday will be sat on the bench having a well-deserved break when we visit Anfield. Maybe a little tip of the scales back in our direction? I’ll take anything that comes.