The Liverpool Chelsea Carabao Cup tie arrives with changes on both sides. Andoni Iraola plans to shuffle his starting XI again, while Xabi Alonso must plan without suspended star Cole Palmer.
The fourth-round clash kicks off at Anfield at 8pm GMT. It is the third of four consecutive home matches for the Reds.
Liverpool Chelsea: Iraola Confirms More Changes
Iraola has rotated heavily in recent matches. He made six changes for the Champions League win over Villarreal last midweek.
He then made four more for Sunday’s Premier League victory against Brighton & Hove Albion. Liverpool won that game 2-0.
The head coach said his side should expect more of the same against Chelsea. He made clear that the changes would not weaken their ambition.
“There will definitely be changes. But we want to win the game, we want to be competitive. We need to see how the legs are. We are kind of, not just in the Carabao Cup, also in the Champions League we are trying to make some changes from game to game, because I think it’s almost mandatory.”
Why Rotation Is Essential
Iraola explained that rotation is part of life for any leading team. He also said some changes come by choice and others by necessity.
“It’s not that we have a lot of options – [it’s that] we need to rotate. Every top team that plays every three days needs to rotate.”
“Sometimes they are forced rotations because you don’t have players available and it’s more difficult for me.”
“And sometimes it’s because we consider that for different games we have different demands and we have to go differently tactically.”
The coach was pleased with how his squad has responded. He said everyone is involved and that fringe players have delivered when called upon.
“But I’m happy because I see the team, everyone is involved, and when we’ve had the need to use someone that was not playing for one game, for 10 minutes, he has been there and has helped us.”
“The more players we can have in a good place, the easier is going to be my selection. Even if it’s hard in terms of leaving players out, I prefer those problems than not having players ready.”
Wirtz Is Optimistic, Szoboszlai Doubtful
Florian Wirtz twisted his ankle against Brighton. Liverpool now hope he can feature against Chelsea.
Victor Munoz and Dominik Szoboszlai face a tougher road. Both are still recovering from injuries and may miss out again.
Iraola sounded positive about Wirtz and more cautious about the other two.
“He was quite fine, Florian – I’m quite optimistic that he will be available. With Dom and Victor, I’m not so sure. I don’t want to say no, but I think it’s going to be more difficult than Florian, yes.”
Danns Building Momentum
Jayden Danns could be a name to watch. The striker won the Carabao Cup with Liverpool in 2024 and has been on the senior bench three times this season.
He also scored for the Under-21s in their Premier League 2 match at Chelsea last weekend.
Iraola said availability has been the main issue for the forward. Danns was injured just before pre-season began and has suffered setbacks.
“With Jayden, the problem has been until now this season the availability. He got injured just before starting pre-season here. He was here with the U21s and has had some setbacks and has been in and out.”
“I think he is now building some good minutes, he scored also the other day. He is in a good place. He has been with us mostly in the European games.”
“I hope he continues progressing and pushes to fight for minutes.”
Liverpool’s Injury and Suspension Picture
The injury list has more names beyond those already mentioned. Jeremie Frimpong is out with a muscle problem.
Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni are all long-term absentees.
There is a disciplinary concern as well. If Ronald Araujo or Milos Kerkez picks up a yellow card, he will miss the quarter-finals should Liverpool go through.
Alonso Returns to Anfield
Chelsea come with a familiar face on the touchline. Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder and now Chelsea’s head coach, returns to Anfield for a third time as an opponent.
His team arrives short of key attacking options. Palmer is suspended after being sent off in last weekend’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, and striker Joao Pedro is out with a thigh injury.
Chelsea lost 0-2 to Spurs on 24 October. That result puts extra weight on this trip.
Chelsea Selection Questions
Alonso was asked whether Estevao and Danny Welbeck would be involved after being substitutes in the last match. He gave a simple answer.
“They are in the squad, so every player in the squad can play.”
Emegha Close to a Debut
There was better news on summer signing Emmanuel Emegha. He is close to a Chelsea debut after completing his recovery from a hamstring problem.
Alonso said the forward has qualities the team needs. He also stressed that fitness is the priority.
“Emegha is in the squad. For sure it’s important that we have him available because he has special qualities.”
“He needs to feel fully fit, he has been training for the last couple of weeks, 10 days, in a good way that has allowed him to build a strong base for his fitness.”
“Now, gradually we want to see him. Maybe tomorrow he has the chance to play.”
Finding a Way Without Palmer and Pedro
Alonso must now reshape his attack. He pointed to other players who can cover forward positions and spoke about balance within the team.
“There are the strikers but there are other players that can play in that position.”
“We need to find the right balance between the things that they are good at and how they connect with the other ones.”
He also mentioned an option he has already tried, with Morgan Rogers playing close to Palmer. Without Palmer, he expects to be flexible.
“We tried with Morgan [Rogers] playing close to Cole. We will have to sometimes be creative and sometimes to try a few things to see if this is going to work well.”
Recent Form
Liverpool beat Brighton 2-0 on 25 October. Their lineup that day included Alisson, Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Barcola, Gakpo and Isak.
Chelsea’s side against Tottenham on 24 October featured Penders, Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill, Hato, Caicedo, Henderson, Neto, Palmer, Quenda and Rogers.
What to Expect at Anfield
Both managers face selection puzzles. Iraola must balance rotation with a desire to win, while Alonso must create goals without Palmer and Pedro.
Rotation, injuries and a possible Emegha debut add extra interest. A place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals is the prize.