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Liverpool vs Chelsea: Match Preview, Predictions, and Lineups
Amir Azimi
Football

Liverpool vs Chelsea: Match Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

The spotlight falls on Anfield this Wednesday as Liverpool welcome Chelsea for a pivotal Carabao Cup fourth-round clash. Both sides aim to avoid an early exit that could heighten pressure, making this a match charged with intensity and competitive spirit.

Liverpool come into the game riding a wave of confidence, boasting eight wins and a draw from their last ten matches. They face a Chelsea squad recently shaken by a 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, plunging the Blues back into turmoil.

Despite being early in the season, this fixture could influence each team’s trajectory significantly. Here's what to expect:

Score Prediction

Liverpool are favored to edge out a close contest. Their form suggests they have the resilience needed, even if the game extends to penalties.

Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield under intense scrutiny after Chelsea’s recent struggles. The team’s tactical confusion and defensive lapses were glaring during their defeat to Spurs. A win here is critical, but Liverpool aren’t known for handing victories away easily.

The Reds have settled well after a shaky start under Andoni Iraola, highlighted by a solid 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. Their only loss this season came against Manchester City, showing consistency elsewhere.

Rotations might shift dynamics slightly, but Liverpool should be able to advance, even if it requires extra time or penalties.

  • Chelsea's Pressure: While Alonso’s job isn't publicly at risk, fan patience is thinning after the Spurs defeat. Failure to respond swiftly could put the entire squad under mounting stress.
  • Liverpool’s Cup Form: Questions linger over their Premier League performance, but the Reds have cruised through Champions League and Carabao Cup fixtures with ease.
  • Palmer Suspension:Chelsea will miss key player Cole Palmer due to a red card received against Spurs. João Pedro’s fitness doubts further weaken their attack.

Prediction

Expect a tense 1-1 draw followed by Liverpool advancing on penalties.

Projected Lineups

Coach Iraola may rest key players ahead of a crucial Premier League game against Arsenal. Expect some young talents to feature, though winger Víctor Muñoz remains doubtful due to a knee injury.

  • Goalkeeper: Mamardashvili
  • Defenders: Araújo, Jacquet, Gomez, Kerkez
  • Midfielders: Nyoni, Mac Allister
  • Attacking Midfielders: Ngumoha, McConnell, Gakpo
  • Forward: Koumas

Unavailable players include Dominik Szoboszlai, Hugo Ekitiké, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni, and Conor Bradley.

The absence of Cole Palmer and injured striker João Pedro forces changes upfront. Veteran Danny Welbeck might get the nod after Morgan Rogers struggled against Spurs. Injuries affect Emiliano Martínez, Reece James, and others, while Estêvão could see more minutes as Alonso looks to boost his confidence.

  • Goalkeeper: Penders
  • Defenders: Fofana, Acheampong, Hato
  • Midfielders: Gusto, Caicedo, Lavia, Palestra
  • Attacking Midfielders: Estêvão, Rogers
  • Forward: Welbeck

Match Details

  • 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

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