How Arsenal could be affected by Carabao Cup postponement vs Liverpool

Arsenal are scheduled to host Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final tomorrow, but it is uncertain whether the game will go ahead as planned.

The Reds have requested for postponement amid a fresh Covid-19 outbreak within the squad, and there is a high likeliness that the first leg could be rescheduled.

While the Gunners don’t have European games to bother about this term, another postponement is bound to disrupt the current run of momentum within the squad.

Mikel Arteta’s side were recently on a sublime five-match winning run in all competitions before the controversial 2-1 loss to Manchester City on New Year’s Day.

The Gunners outclassed the reigning league champions in the opening half. The Cityzens failed to muster a single shot on target. It will be a hard defeat to take.

The perfect response would be to replicate the showing as soon as possible. It appears there could be another disruption with a second postponement in as many weeks.

The rescheduling of the Wolves game did not have an impact against City, but it is hardly ideal for the players, particularly on the back of an agonising late defeat.

The English Football League have yet to confirm the postponement, but there could be an official announcement later today. It may most likely go in the Reds’ favour.

Both teams are missing players due to African Cup of Nations. It can’t be denied that the Reds are in a more difficult position with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane away.

The Gunners don’t have the best of records against the Reds, but they have an excellent chance to progress, given there are also injury and Covid-19 concerns at the Merseyside outfit.

If the first leg is postponed, the Gunners may ideally want to play the home game on January 13, the date on which the second leg of the semi-final tie has been scheduled.

The reverse leg could be played between the Tottenham Hotspur (January 16) and Burnley (January 22) games. It is unclear whether the window will be open for both clubs.

Arsenal and Liverpool have Premier League games in hand over Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds respectively which could be fit in between those two gameweeks.

The Reds don’t have another free gameweek until February 22-23, just days before the Carabao Cup final.

A single-leg semi-final could be a suitable option, but the Gunners are bound to firmly demand for a home tie. The decision may also depend on their other opponents.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur may also have to agree on the decision. They are set to play their double-legged semi-final tie as planned with the first leg at Stamford Bridge tonight.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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