Liverpool host Chelsea in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, with head coach Andoni Iraola expected to make changes across the side at Anfield. The tie marks the first return of Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso to Merseyside since taking charge in the summer.
Alonso, who helped Liverpool win the Champions League in 2005, received a warm reception from home fans when he visited with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024 and again as Real Madrid coach a year later. Wednesday's match will test whether that goodwill remains, given the rivalry between the two sets of supporters.
Defensive reshuffle expected
Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to return in goal after playing a key role in the 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the previous round. At right-back, Ronald Araujo may be rested ahead of Sunday's Premier League visit from Arsenal, and with Jeremie Frimpong sidelined, Joe Gomez could start on that side.
At centre-back, Iraola has four options, but three of them currently play in his first-choice back four. If Gomez does not start at right-back, Wataru Endo could make his first appearance of the season; the Japan captain has not played since a season-ending injury at Sunderland in February, when he started on the right of the back four. That would free up Gomez to play centrally.
Virgil van Dijk is expected to at least start on the bench, with Jeremy Jacquet also vying for a spot alongside Araujo. Kostas Tsimikas will likely deputise for Milos Kerkez on the left.
Midfield and forward options
Trey Nyoni is set for another chance to impress, but with limited options in midfield, Iraola may have to name one of his first-choice players alongside him. Ryan Gravenberch or Alexis Mac Allister could be used, with Dominik Szoboszlai rested for a potential recall against Arsenal. James McConnell is also in contention.
Florian Wirtz has a twisted ankle, so a replacement is needed for a position the Germany international has made his own. Gravenberch could fill in further forward, having been trialled there against Villarreal after Iraola talked up his versatility on Friday.
Federico Chiesa, who turned 29 on Sunday, could be in line for his first start of the campaign. Lewis Koumas is likely to deputise for Alexander Isak, and Rio Ngumoha may start with Victor Munoz still expected to be sidelined. If so, the 18-year-old could be stationed on the left with Chiesa on the right. Cody Gakpo is available, but with Sunday's visit from Arsenal taking priority, Iraola may not want to overextend too many senior players.
Whatever team Iraola picks, changes are expected, and victory would knock out another high-profile challenger for the League Cup.
