I was thinking it was going to be in during the week when both teams where supposed to be taking a break. i.e. Jan 12, the designated GW18, but the fixtures has been announced, and it wasn't included.
If we get knocked out in the Carabao cup against Everton, they might also fix it between GW17 and the FA Cup third round, i.e. Jan 5, but not sure they will have the time for that.
Jan 5 is the earliest we could play it as it stands, but if we don't get knocked out against Everton, then they might have to make the Jan 12 move after all. If it's not played in one of the two gameweeks, then they might have to wait till March.
So the earliest options:
JANUARY 5 - Only if Everton beat us in the Carabao cup.
JANUARY 12 - Good time to play it early on paper.
MARCH 2 - The only free mid-week for a while, but not sure they should wait that long because you never know if another game might need to be postponed.
The other options are Jan 23, Feb 9, March 9, March 16, March 20 and so on, but that would require an early exit from the FA Cup or Europa League. Still think Jan 12 is the best bet.