According to a report published by the London Evening Standard on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has introduced four changes to his starting line-up for tonight’s Carabao Cup fourth-round meeting with Liverpool at Anfield. Following their disappointing loss to Tottenham Hotspur, the West London club will be aiming to return to winning ways and progress to the next round of the competition.

Mike Penders remains Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper for the encounter, while Maxence Lacroix and Josh Acheampong keep their places in defence after featuring in the defeat against Tottenham. Wesley Fofana and Malo Gusto join them in the defensive unit, with Gusto set to celebrate his 100th start for the Blues.

In midfield, Romeo Lavia returns to the starting eleven alongside Jordan Henderson and Moises Caicedo. Caicedo has been appointed captain for the encounter, placing him in a key leadership role as Chelsea prepare for a demanding contest against their Premier League rivals.

Danny Welbeck will spearhead the attack, with Pedro Neto and Morgan Rogers expected to support him from the forward positions. Chelsea will rely on their attacking trio to create scoring opportunities, exploit weaknesses in Liverpool’s defence and help the team secure a positive result at Anfield.

On the bench, Chelsea have several alternatives who could make an impact during the match. Emmanuel Emegha is among the substitutes and could make his first appearance for the club if Alonso decides to introduce him. Youngsters Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli and Olutayo Subuloye have also been included, giving the Chelsea manager further options as the game progresses.

The Blues will be hoping Alonso’s selection changes lead to a stronger display after their disappointing weekend result. Despite the difficulty of facing Liverpool on their home ground, Chelsea will approach the contest determined to win and book their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Chelsea Starting XI: Mike Penders, Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Moises Caicedo (captain), Romeo Lavia, Jordan Henderson, Pedro Neto, Danny Welbeck, Morgan Rogers.

Chelsea Substitutes: Sharman-Lowe, Palestra, Colwill, Subuloye, Barco, Nicoll-Jazuli, Estevao, Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha.