Arsenal vs Fenerbahce and Liverpool vs Notts County: Open Thread

Today’s two matches that are being beamed around the United States on television offer a reminder of where both clubs ended up last season. Arsenal scraped through and qualified for the play-off stages of the UEFA Champions League. Liverpool missed out on qualification for the Europa League and UEFA Champions League, and therefore face Notts County in today’s League Cup match. Arsenal, meanwhile, are one step away from the group stage of the preeminent club tournament on the planet.

First, the TV listings (for readers in the United States):

Arsenal vs Fenerbahce (UEFA Champions League playoff), 2:45pm, FOX Sports 1 and FOXSoccer2Go
Liverpool vs Notts County (League Cup), 2:45pm, beIN SPORT

After Arsenal’s impressive second half performance last Wednesday against Fenerbahce where they won 3-0 in Istanbul, the Gunners have a huge advantage going into this match knowing that even a draw or a slim defeat will be enough to help them get through to the next round.

For Liverpool, meanwhile, they’ll be focused on progressing through to the next round of the League Cup. Expect Brendan Rodgers to field several players who typically don’t see first team action. But don’t underestimate Notts County. The club defeated then Premier League side Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup three years ago.

Before, during or after today’s match, join the conversation in the comments section below with fellow soccer fans from around the world.