Liverpool will face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup fourth round at Anfield, with both sides making significant line‑up changes ahead of the 8 pm kickoff. Liverpool’s manager, Andoni Iraola, has highlighted the importance of giving squad players a chance to prove themselves in the competition, noting that the bench will be crucial in a match against a Chelsea side that boasts a strong starting XI. Iraola stressed that the team must remain focused and deliver a high‑level performance to overcome the “very high” quality of their opponents.
Chelsea have announced a four‑man reshuffle after a 0‑2 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur. The club will bring in Danny Welbeck, Roméo Lavia, Malo Gusto and Wesley Fofana to replace Levi Colwill and Geovany Quenda, who will sit on the bench, as well as injured Jorrel Hato and suspended Cole Palmer. The new lineup will feature a mix of experienced and younger players, with the likes of Pedro Neto and Pedro Paredes expected to start.
Liverpool, on the other hand, will field a side that has undergone seven changes following a 2‑0 win over Brighton at the weekend. Giorgi Mamardashvili, Joe Gomez, Kostas Tsimikas, Trey Nyoni, James McConnell, Lewis Koumas and Rio Ngumoha will start, while the regular first‑team options such as Alisson, Jérémy Jacquet, Florian Wirtz, Alexis Mac Allister, Bradley Barcola and Alexander Isak will be on the bench. Milos Kerkez will miss the match entirely. The squad will be led by the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander‑O’Connor, with a focus on defensive solidity and quick transitions.
The match will be officiated by referee Darren England, with no VAR to be used. The game promises to be a tactical battle, as both managers have prepared their teams for a high‑intensity encounter. With the quarter‑final draw set to take place later tonight, the outcome of this fixture will determine the next opponent for the winners. Liverpool will aim to build on their recent form, while Chelsea will look to regain momentum after their recent setback. Fans can expect a tightly contested match, with both sides eager to progress to the next round of the competition.