Reds in free fall after four straight Premier League defeats and have fitness issues with some huge games on the horizon

During a flailing series of increasingly desperate postmatch interviews, Liverpool manager Arne Slot rolled out an unconvincing series of excuses to help justify his outrageously inexperienced starting XI against Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening, including a jarring shift of focus toward Manchester City and Chelsea’s lineups.

Liverpool suffered a sixth defeat in seven game on Wednesday, losing to Crystal Palace yet again and being dumped out of the Carabao Cup.

Man United won their previous league game before the international break and will look to pick up back-to-back wins in the Premier League under Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils have a great opportunity to not only get closer to Liverpool but to leap many teams in the Premier League table.

Cardiff City of League One, through after knocking out Wrexham in an all-Wales fourth round tie this week, will now face Chelsea. The Bluebirds reached the final back in 2012, losing to Liverpool. Meanwhile, after coming from behind to beat Swansea City, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will now be due to host Brentford at the Etihad Stadium.