Liverpool's attempts to avoid fixture congestion could involve fielding two teams on the same night across different competitions in December.
The Reds were drawn against Aston Villa in the 2019 Carabao Cup quarter-final after beating Arsenal 5-4 on penalties at Anfield on Wednesday night. It means cup duty could clash with Liverpool's participation in the FIFA World Club championships in Qatar on December 18.
Seeking a compromise, the Merseyside club has discussed with the English Football League "playing a team of youngsters at Villa Park on either December 17 or 18," per Chris Bascombe of the Daily Telegraph.