It's to do with the two different European competitions being played in alternate weeks. The League Cup fixtures are on either the 17th/18th of September or the 24th/25th September The Champions League teams are playing games on the 17th/18th of September, Europa League are playing games on the 24th/25th September, I didn't watch the draw but my understanding was that only those in opposing European competitions couldn't meet (i.e City v Spurs), as there wouldn't be a space in the calendar for it. Liverpool v City should theoretically have been possible as they could have played in the League Cup on the 24th/25th but it looks like they seeded all six of the European sides instead, I don't think that was the original intention. Edit* It was talked about / explained a bit more in this thread: The League Cup to introduce seeding system
All fixtures confirmed apart from ours, cant play 1st week as we play Inter, 2nd week will be us and United at home same night as we play Arsenal 22nd and Newcastle 28th
Well if you want to give us the win fair enough! Like wise if we let you have it prevents us getting a confidence draining battering.
Sounds like a right old mess From the BBC “Yesterday, the EFL confirmed third-round fixture dates but Manchester City's home game with Watford was listed as "TBC". This is why. City play Arsenal in a Sky televised game on Sunday, 22 September. The following Saturday they go to Newcastle for a TNT televised game. That means the City-Watford game needs to be played on Wednesday, 25 September. Except that is the same day as Manchester United start their Europa League campaign against Dutch side FC Twente.” Should have switched the tie . They probably want us to play on the Thursday but we have refused
