Our Liverpool vs Chelsea prediction is a home win for Andoni Iraola’s side in Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup fourth round tie at Anfield, kick-off 11:00pm EAT. Liverpool arrive on a four-match winning run, while Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea are without the suspended Cole Palmer after Saturday’s home defeat to Tottenham. A draw after 90 minutes goes straight to penalties, so there is no extra time to save either side.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Key Facts
- Competition: Carabao Cup, fourth round
- Date: Wednesday, 28 October 2026
- Kick-off: 11:00pm EAT (8:00pm UK time)
- Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
- Managers: Andoni Iraola (Liverpool), Xabi Alonso (Chelsea)
- Liverpool form: four straight wins, latest a 2-0 win over Brighton
- Chelsea form: beaten 2-0 at home by Tottenham on Saturday
- League position: Liverpool 4th, Chelsea 5th in the Premier League
Liverpool Form and Team News
Liverpool are building momentum at the right time. Sunday’s 2-0 win over Brighton at Anfield made it four wins in a row in all competitions, and Alexander Isak was on the scoresheet again as his goalscoring run continued.
The main worry is Florian Wirtz. The German playmaker twisted his ankle against Brighton and was taken off in the second half. Iraola said afterwards that it did not look serious, but he admitted the club would need to assess him carefully because of how often Liverpool are playing. With the visit of Arsenal on Sunday, there is every chance Wirtz is protected here.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz have both been out recently, though Iraola said both are close to returning. Jeremie Frimpong is also reported to be sidelined. Expect Iraola to rotate in some areas, but Liverpool’s squad depth means their second string is still very strong, especially at home.
Chelsea Form and Team News
Chelsea’s weekend could hardly have gone worse. They lost 2-0 at home to Tottenham in the London derby and Cole Palmer was sent off. His one-match ban applies to this tie, which takes away Chelsea’s most creative player.
The injury list does not help Alonso either. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Reece James remain out, while Joao Pedro is a doubt. That leaves Chelsea short of firepower, with Estevao and Danny Welbeck reported as the most likely options to step up in attack.
On the positive side, Chelsea have a decent recent record against Liverpool and are unbeaten in their last three meetings, according to reports. Alonso will want a reaction after Saturday, and a cup tie gives his fringe players a chance to impress.
Tactical Preview: What to Expect
This is a heavyweight tie even with rotation. Liverpool under Iraola press high and look to win the ball back quickly, then hurt teams with fast transitions. Chelsea will want to keep the ball and slow the game down, but without Palmer they lack a player who can unlock a compact block with one pass.
Anfield on a European style cup night is always a tough place to visit, and Liverpool’s attacking players are in better form. Chelsea’s best route is likely to be counter-attacks and set pieces, especially if Liverpool push too many players forward.
Players to Watch
- Alexander Isak (Liverpool): scoring regularly and the obvious focal point if he starts.
- Estevao (Chelsea): likely to carry more creative responsibility with Palmer suspended.
- Florian Wirtz (Liverpool): if fit, he is the player most likely to decide the game.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Prediction and Betting Tips
Our pick: Liverpool to win in 90 minutes.
Liverpool have the momentum, home advantage and fewer key absences. Chelsea’s recent head-to-head record is a warning, but Palmer’s suspension and the doubts over Joao Pedro make them weaker in the final third. Both teams to score is also worth considering, as both squads have enough attacking quality to find the net even with changes.
If you prefer a safer angle, Liverpool double chance (win or draw) covers the shootout risk, since a draw after 90 minutes means penalties. As always, check the confirmed line-ups before kick-off because rotation can change the picture.
Read our Liverpool vs Brighton prediction and our Chelsea vs Tottenham prediction for more background, then look ahead with our Chelsea vs Man United prediction and all our football predictions. Club updates are on LiverpoolFC.com.
FAQ
What time is Liverpool vs Chelsea in Kenya?
Liverpool vs Chelsea kicks off at 11:00pm EAT on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at Anfield.
Is Cole Palmer playing against Liverpool?
No. Palmer is suspended for the Carabao Cup tie after being sent off against Tottenham on Saturday.
Will Florian Wirtz play against Chelsea?
Wirtz is a doubt after twisting his ankle against Brighton. Iraola said it did not look serious, but Liverpool will assess him before the game.
Who will win Liverpool vs Chelsea?
Our prediction is a Liverpool win, based on their four-game winning run, home advantage and Chelsea’s absences.
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