Liverpool must not repeat last season's League Cup mistake against Crystal Palace, when a weakened side was beaten, and must instead field a strong team against Chelsea at Anfield.
Chelsea are out of Europe and need the cup, so they are expected to bring their strongest side. Liverpool will need to match them, which is complicated by injuries and the need to keep players fresh for the league and European fixtures.
Cup priority and injury challenge
The manager faces a difficult balance, as the team must be competitive against Chelsea while managing a squad hit by injuries. Winning the game would put Liverpool into the quarter-finals, and a cup run remains a priority.
Chelsea have quality players who can hurt any opponent on a given day, regardless of recent results, just as Palace did last year when Liverpool's fringe side was outclassed. The goalkeeper will change, but other defensive decisions remain uncertain.
Returning players face different reception
Jordan Henderson and Xabi Alonso will return to Anfield with Chelsea, but they will not receive the heroes' welcome they got when they came back with Bayer Leverkusen and Brentford. They will get appreciation and respect, but their names will not be sung.
Henderson's departure is now seen as a mistake, as Liverpool were short of leaders and he still had more to offer in the dressing room and on the pitch. His decision to kiss the Chelsea badge is acknowledged as his right, even if fans view it differently.
Iraola's impact on mentality
There is growing approval for Andoni Iraola as head coach, who has made a significant difference in a short time. The team is battling again, putting in tackles and showing fight, a contrast to last year when they were outbattled and outrun.
This renewed mentality echoes the approach under Jurgen Klopp and during the title-winning season, with honesty on the pitch now restored.
