The BBC today announced their plans to televise Liverpool's FA Cup 3rd Round Trip to Exeter City on Friday, January 8th at 7.55pm.
It's a nightmare decision for both the squad and the supporters, with the last Liverpool - bound train leaving Exeter at the awkward time of 6.25pm.
It is also likely to bewilder Jurgen Klopp. The German has admitted his surprise at England's lack of a winter break, and his levels of incredulity are likely to be tested further by the fact that Liverpool now face the prospect of four away games in nine days. The run begins with a league trip to Sunderland on December 30, followed by another league trip to West Ham on January 2nd before the Capital One Cup Semi Final first leg away to Stoke on January 5th precedes the cup tie against Exeter.
This means that Liverpool will travel an accumulated 1,308 miles over the nine days. This is approximately the distance from Liverpool to Madrid, or about as far wide of the mark as Brendan Rodgers got his team selection the last time Liverpool were in Madrid.
Liverpool's comfort following the four game run? The small matter of home league games against Arsenal and Manchester United.
Elsewhere in televised cup matches news, Manchester United are set to be shown live in the FA Cup for the 48th cup tie in succession. BT Sport will show their tie against Sheffield United live on Saturday January 9 at 5.30pm. You have to go back to United's 3rd round replay against Exeter in 2005 to find a United FA Cup tie that evaded the glare of the live cameras.
