For a season split into two distinct sections, Liverpool are beginning the second in exactly the same manner as the first - a cup tie against Manchester City.
But while back in late July it was the neutral venue of the King Power Stadium that played host to the Community Shield triumph, this evening Jurgen Klopp's side will step into the lion's den at the Etihad as they look to defend their Carabao Cup crown in a fourth round tie.
Few would dispute the opening months of the campaign failed to meet expectations for the Reds, whose progress in the Champions League cannot disguise them standing a whopping 10 points behind second-placed City in the Premier League table and a further five adrift of runaway leaders Arsenal.
