3 reasons why Liverpool need to win the EFL Cup

With the English Football League Cup (EFL Cup) taking centre stage this midweek, Shoot! has a look at why Liverpool need to win the competition ahead of Tuesday night’s quarter-final appearance.

The Reds, who host Championship outfit Leeds United at Anfield tomorrow night, have thrashed Burton Albion and Derby County in the process, before defeating fellow Premier League side Tottenham in the previous round to book their place in the last-eight.

After Saturday’s 2-0 victory over lowly Sunderland in the English top-flight, Jurgen Klopp’s side are building momentum and look promising to mount a real title challenge this term, with The Reds just a point behind league leaders Chelsea after their opening 13 fixtures.

Liverpool, who have won the League Cup a record eight times, almost lifted this tournament trophy back in February, but they eventually lost out to Manchester City on penalties (3-1) after their 1-1 draw at Wembley Stadium.

So, with Liverpool looking to go one better this season, here is Shoot!‘s THREE REASONS why Liverpool NEED to win the EFL Cup this term…

Avenge their 2016 final defeat

Already holding the record for the most League Cup wins (eight), Liverpool could have boasted an even bigger accolade by lifting their ninth cup last season, but it wasn’t to be.

The Reds eventually lost out to Manchester City at Wembley Stadium back in February, gifting the Citizens only their fourth League Cup in their history.

After Fernandinho gave City the lead shortly after the interval, star man Philippe Coutinho equalised for Liverpool with just seven minutes remaining, before the final went all the way to a penalty shootout.

Despite Emre Can managing to convert The Reds’ opening spot-kick; Lucas, Coutinho and Adam Lallana failed to beat Willy Caballero in the visiting goal, resulting in Liverpool losing 3-1 on penalties.

If Jurgen Klopp’s men do advance to the final, at least they don’t have to worry about facing City in the final, as they were knocked out by rivals Manchester United earlier on.

End their five-year trophy drought

That’s right, by the time the 2016-17 EFL Cup final comes around on February 26, 2017, Liverpool would have exactly gone five years without winning silverware – not since their 2012 League Cup victory over Cardiff City.

Former defender Martin Skrtel pinned back Joe Mason’s 19th minute opener at Wembley Stadium, before The Reds looked to have stolen the show in extra-time, after Dirk Kuyt’s 108th minute strike, giving them a late 2-1 lead.

But, Ben Turner popped up in the 118th minute to force a penalty shootout to decide the 2011-12 League Cup champions, in which Liverpool prevailed 3-2, with Anthony Gerrard missing the decisive fifth spot-kick for the Bluebirds.

With the 2016-17 League Cup final due to take place exactly five years to the day that Liverpool last lifted silverware, perhaps it is simply fate…

Prove their Premier League title credentials

As well as being in the running to win the 2016-17 League Cup, Liverpool are proving worthy contenders for the Premier League title, too.

The Reds, who defeated lowly Sunderland 2-0 on Saturday, are just one point adrift of league leaders Chelsea after their opening 13 fixtures.

Having gone undefeated in the top-flight since August 20, a surprise 2-0 loss at newly promoted Burnley, Jurgen Klopp’s side have recorded impressive wins over defending league champions Leicester City and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, confirming their title credentials this term.

Surely, going all the way and winning this season’s League Cup will only give Liverpool a boost, the momentum and just a taste of what it would be like to lift a league title for the first time since 1990.