Liverpool vs Chelsea: Match Preview, Predictions and Lineups

The Carabao Cup fourth round features a standout clash as Liverpool welcome Chelsea to Anfield on Wednesday. Both teams face immense pressure not to exit early, making this a must-watch encounter between two sides with serious hopes of lifting the trophy.

Liverpool come into this game in excellent form, having won eight and drawn one of their last ten matches. They are strong favorites against a Chelsea side struggling after a 2–0 home loss to Tottenham Hotspur, which has stirred doubts about their defensive setup and tactical clarity under Xabi Alonso.

Score Prediction: A Close Contest

This match is likely to be tight. Liverpool have regained their rhythm following a shaky start under manager Andoni Iraola, with confidence boosted by a recent 2–0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. Despite some defensive concerns, they have only lost once this season—to Manchester City.

Chelsea face mounting pressure after their defeat to Spurs. Alonso’s position isn't officially at risk, but fan frustration is evident, and failure to respond quickly could lead to further unrest within the squad. Adding to their challenges, Chelsea will miss key player Cole Palmer due to suspension, and João Pedro’s fitness remains uncertain.

Though lineups might be rotated considering upcoming fixtures, Liverpool should have enough depth to edge through, potentially with penalties deciding the winner.

Prediction: Liverpool 1–1 Chelsea (Liverpool win on penalties)

Projected Lineups

• Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Araújo, Jacquet, Gomez, Kerkez; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Ngumoha, McConnell, Gakpo; Koumas
• Chelsea (3-4-2-1): Penders; Fofana, Acheampong, Hato; Gusto, Caicedo, Lavia, Palestra; Estêvão, Rogers; Welbeck

Liverpool manager Iraola may rest key players such as Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Bradley Barcola, and Florian Wirtz ahead of a crucial Premier League game against Arsenal. Some young talents might get a chance, although winger Víctor Muñoz is doubtful with a knee issue. Dominik Szoboszlai, Hugo Ekitiké, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni, and Conor Bradley remain sidelined.

Chelsea are hit by the absence of Palmer due to suspension and Pedro’s ongoing injury. Veteran Danny Welbeck could return to the starting lineup after Morgan Rogers failed to impress against Spurs. Injuries to Emiliano Martínez, Reece James, and doubts over Pep Chavarría, Jamie Gittens, and Emmanuel Emegha complicate their selection. Manager Alonso might give more chances to young talent Estêvão following his slow start to the season.

Match Logistics

• Location: Liverpool, England
• Stadium: Anfield
• Date: Wednesday, October 28
• Kickoff Time: 8 p.m. GMT / 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT
• Referee: Darren England

Broadcast Information

• United States: Paramount+
• Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada
• Mexico: Disney+ Premium Mexico
• United Kingdom: ITV1, ITVX, Prime Video, Sky Sports Main Event