Liverpool host Chelsea in the Carabao Cup at Anfield on Wednesday night, with both teams expected to make several changes. Our tipster's best bets include Over 2.5 goals and Lewis Koumas to score anytime.
Match preview and team news
Two teams finding form under new managers meet in the Carabao Cup, with Liverpool and Chelsea sitting fourth and fifth in the Premier League respectively. Liverpool's only defeat in all competitions this season came at Anfield against league leaders Manchester City, though the home side was understrength and down to 10 men.
Both bosses are likely to rotate their squads. Chelsea host Manchester United on Saturday in the Premier League, while Liverpool face a massive clash against Arsenal at Anfield, so both managers will want their teams as fresh as possible.
Prediction 1: Over 2.5 goals
Chelsea remain unpredictable, with their latest result a reversal at home at the hands of London rivals Spurs. Two sloppy goals were given away, and Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders will look to put a bad mistake behind him as he keeps his place ahead of No1 Emiliano Martinez, who is out with a broken jaw.
Chelsea's last Carabao Cup outing was a nine-goal thriller as they beat Leeds 6-3. Cole Palmer is suspended, Joao Pedro is out through injury, while Danny Welbeck and Marco Palestra should start. Liverpool have scored 14 goals in their last four games in all competitions and six in their last two at Anfield. The home side beat Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham side 3-1 in the Carabao Cup third round.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals - 1/2 (Bet365)
Prediction 2: Lewis Koumas anytime scorer
Lewis Koumas looks a likely starter, spearheading the Reds attack as Iraola looks to rotate his squad. Florian Wirtz joins Dominik Szoboszlai on the sidelines, allowing space in midfield for the likes of Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha. Koumas has scored one goal and provided one assist in all competitions this season.
Koumas was named man of the match in Liverpool's 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Spurs in the last round. His all-out pressing style should put the Chelsea defence under pressure and create chances.
Tip: Lewis Koumas anytime scorer - 21/10 (Ladbrokes/Coral)
Predicted lineups and responsible gambling
Predicted Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Araujo, Jaquet, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, McConnell, Nyoni; Ngumoha, Barcola; Koumas. Predicted Chelsea XI: Penders; Acheampong, Fofana, Colwill; Gusto, Lavia, Barco, Palestra; Estevao, Rogers; Welbeck.
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