Liverpool stuttered by Championship side Southampton in the Carabao Cup third round, with a 2-1 win – but it came at a cost as star striker Hugo Ekitike was sent off and he’ll now serve a ban. So, what games will Ekitike miss when looking ahead to Liverpool’s next fixtures?
Hugo Ekitike Sent Off For Two ‘Silly’ Yellow Cards
Liverpool will be in the Carabao Cup fourth round draw as ball number 12 having edged by Southampton 2-1 on Tuesday night at Anfield.
However, the win came at a cost with striker Hugo Ekitike getting a silly red card after picking up two yellow cards.
The new French signing went from hero to zero in short time after coming on as sub to put Liverpool 2-1 up.
But before that goal picked up a first yellow card for dissent after referee Thomas Bramall gave a free-kick against him.
With Ekitike punching the ball away in frustration.
Ekitike scored soon after this booking, but in a moment of madness he celebrated his goal by taking his shirt off – leaving ref Bramall no option but to show him a second yellow and the RED.
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The bad news for Liverpool is that this Hugo Ekitike red card will mean he now faces a suspension.
This ban will come into play straight away too and applies to their next domestic match – which is away at CRYSTAL PALACE on Saturday 27th September (3pm).
However, the better news is that this is the ONLY game Ekitike will miss for the Reds.
He’ll be back for Liverpool’s Champions League match vs Galatasaray in Turkey (30th Sept) – and also be fine for their Premier League game away at Chelsea on the 4th October.
Liverpool head into Premier League week six top of the table with 15 points and five clear of the chasing pack.
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FPL Fans Scramble To Replace Hugo Ekitike
So with Hugo Ekitike set to miss Liverpool’s next league game against Crystal Palace – this will also give FPL players a headache.
As of Wednesday morning, 27% of Fantasy Football players have Ekitike in their sides.
Meaning they will either need to sub him out for a week or transfer in another player.
He’s currently worth £8.7m – so this will at least give FPL players many options.
With players like Ollie Watkins (£8.8m), Chris Wood (£7.6m), Joao Pedro (£7.8m), Jarrod Bowen (£7.7m) and Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.6m) possible options as Ekitike replacements.
Next Five Liverpool Fixtures (All Comps)
- Sat 27th Sept (Prem) – Palace vs Liverpool
- Tues 30th Sept (UCL) – Galatasaray vs Liverpool
- Sat 4th Oct (Prem) – Chelsea vs Liverpool
- 19th Oct (Prem) – Liverpool vs Man Utd
- 22nd Oct (UCL) – E Frankfurt vs Liverpool
