Anyone else craving a can of refreshing Carabao right about now? No, us neither. But we can’t wait for an all-Premier League tussle at Anfield as Liverpool hosts Chelsea on Wednesday night in the last 16.
Liverpool vs Chelsea | Wednesday, 28 October | Kick-off: 20:00 | Sky Sports Main Event & ITV1
Liverpool vs Chelsea: Match Preview
What a difference a couple of weeks can make. Ahead of their home match against Tottenham on Saturday, Chelsea had thrashed Bournemouth 5-1 at Stamford Bridge and were looking forward to a trip to Anfield to face a Liverpool side struggling for consistency after a humbling 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City.
Since that loss, however, Liverpool have won four consecutive games, including a 2-0 victory over an in-form Brighton side on Sunday. Chelsea, meanwhile, suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham on Saturday night, leaving their supporters wondering whether another false dawn had passed.
Liverpool go into Wednesday’s League Cup last-16 tie as worthy favourites based on recent form, although they are expected to rest several key players. Their victory over Brighton also marked their first clean sheet in five games.
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Liverpool vs Chelsea Betting Tips: Goals on the Cards?
Despite Liverpool’s recent improvement, defensive concerns remain for both sides.
Liverpool have lost just one match all season but have kept only four clean sheets in their 12 games. Chelsea have managed just two clean sheets in ten matches, one of which came against League One side Luton.
Chelsea remain something of an enigma, while Liverpool appear to be finding their feet under head coach Andoni Iraola. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, a former Liverpool player, is likely to receive a warm welcome from the Anfield crowd, but he will be hoping for a more positive result by 21:45 on Wednesday.
The overall numbers suggest there could be goals at both ends:
- Liverpool: 26 goals scored and 16 conceded in 12 matches, with eight wins, three draws and one defeat.
- Chelsea: 25 goals scored and 18 conceded in ten matches, with six wins, one draw and three defeats.
Those figures make the goals markets worth considering, although Liverpool’s recent defensive improvement could prove significant.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Goalscorer Tips
Liverpool
Alexander Isak has scored six goals in eight starts for Liverpool this season and is in good form. His relationship with Florian Wirtz is becoming increasingly effective, although the German is doubtful for Wednesday’s game with a slight ankle injury.
Liverpool must also weigh up whether to risk Isak with Arsenal visiting Anfield on Sunday. That could influence the striker’s involvement against Chelsea.
Chelsea
João Pedro’s five goals in six starts this season underline his importance to Chelsea, although his availability remains uncertain.
Morgan Rogers has scored four goals in nine starts but looked out of sorts against Tottenham. Cole Palmer, who will miss Wednesday’s match through suspension following his red card against Tottenham, has also scored four goals this season, although none have come in his last five starts.
A mature response to Saturday’s disappointment will be required from Chelsea, while players such as Estêvão and Lavia will be keen to seize their opportunity if selected.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Team News and Injury Updates
Cup ties can be difficult to predict, particularly when both managers have demanding schedules to consider. Nevertheless, both sides will be eager to reach the quarter-finals, especially Chelsea, who do not have European football this season.
Liverpool face Arsenal at home on Sunday, followed by Fenerbahçe at home the following Wednesday and Crystal Palace away the following Sunday. They also have a demanding run of seven matches between 22 November and 12 December. Chelsea are scheduled to play five games during the same period.
Liverpool Team News
Florian Wirtz is doubtful with an ankle injury, while Dominik Szoboszlai is closing in on a return from a hamstring problem but may not be risked.
Víctor Muñoz (knee) has a good chance of being involved, while Jeremie Frimpong remains sidelined with a muscle injury. Hugo Ekitike is a long-term absentee with an Achilles problem.
Chelsea Team News
João Pedro remains doubtful with an unspecified injury, reportedly involving his knee. Cole Palmer will serve a one-match suspension, while Emmanuel Emegha (muscle), Jamie Gittens (ankle), Emiliano Martínez (fractured jaw) and Reece James (knee) are also expected to miss out.
There is some positive news, however, with Pep Chavarría having taken part in light training and potentially available for selection.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Predicted Line-Ups
Liverpool XI (Predicted): Mamardashvili; Araújo, Jacquet, Gomez, Kerkez; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Ngumoha, O’Connell, Gakpo; Koumas.
Chelsea XI (Predicted): Penders; Gusto, Lacroix, Fofana, Chavarría; Barco, Lavia; Estêvão, Rogers, Quenda; Welbeck.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Head-to-Head Record
Liverpool and Chelsea have met 21 times at Anfield since the start of the 2008-09 season. Liverpool have won seven of those encounters, Chelsea six, while the other eight finished in draws.
The sides have met twice at Anfield in the League Cup during that period. Chelsea won 2-1 in 2018, with Eden Hazard coming off the bench to score a brilliant winner, while their 2014 meeting ended in a 1-1 draw.
Chelsea have won just once in their last eight visits to Anfield, with Liverpool winning four of those matches.
The historical goal statistics also offer an interesting angle for Wednesday’s tie:
- Only one of the 21 meetings finished 0-0.
- Thirteen produced fewer than 2.5 goals.
- Both teams scored in 14 of the encounters.
While the overall head-to-head record suggests goals at both ends are possible, the number of games finishing under 2.5 goals is worth considering when assessing the totals markets.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Prediction and Best Bets
Liverpool’s recent run of four consecutive victories gives them the edge heading into Wednesday’s League Cup last-16 tie. However, the likelihood of squad rotation, combined with the sides’ historical record at Anfield, makes the draw an interesting option in the 90-minute market.
The goals statistics also point towards a potentially tight contest, despite both teams having scored freely this season.
Liverpool vs Chelsea betting tips:
Draw in 90 minutes – 29/10: Based on the statistics outlined above, the draw represents value.
Under 2.5 goals – 7/4: The historical head-to-head record offers support for this selection, although both sides’ recent scoring records provide a counterargument.
Both selections relate to the result after 90 minutes, excluding extra time and penalties.
