The Fifa World Cup may still be lingering in the thoughts of football fans around the world, but at least the wait for more competitive action will not be a long one, with the Carabao Cup this week ahead of the return of the Premier League on Boxing Day.
Just two days after the breathtaking final at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, some of the Premier League’s finest will be lining up for midweek cup competition in chilly England.
Wolves, Southampton, and Newcastle United are all in-home action as they host Gillingham, Lincoln, and Bournemouth; while Leicester City face a trip to MK Dons on Tuesday.
Nottingham Forest visit Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday while Charlton host Brighton and Manchester United take on Burnley at Old Trafford.
The pick of the fourth-round ties is certainly Manchester City vs Liverpool. Both sides are likely to have a fair share of first-team players available as the Reds look to go one step closer to defending their cup crown.
The clash kicks off at the Etihad Stadium at 10:00pm on Thursday with the draw for the quarter-finals set to ta ke place following the action.
The Christmas break will be a short one, with the highly anticipated return of the Premier League on Monday.
Log leaders Arsenal will face West Ham in the late game after their London rivals Tottenham Hotspur take on Brentford away from home to kick off the league’s resumption at lunchtime.
Liverpool will make a trip to Villa Park in the evening game with Manchester United, City, and Chelsea all in action next Tuesday and Wednesday.
Pictured above: Harvey Elliott of Liverpool FC
Image source: @lf5starfc
