Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is expected to make several changes to his starting line-up for Wednesday's Carabao Cup fourth-round clash against Liverpool at Anfield, with Estevao Willian and Morgan Rogers among the players tipped to feature.

According to a report by Football London on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, Chelsea could hand opportunities to several fringe players as Alonso looks to respond to the weekend defeat against Tottenham Hotspur and manage his squad ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting with Manchester United.

The Blues will be without Cole Palmer, who is suspended, while striker Joao Pedro is unavailable because of a thigh injury.

Goalkeeper Mike Penders is expected to retain his place following his difficult Premier League debut against Tottenham.

The Belgian shot-stopper conceded an own goal after punching the ball into his net from a corner but will have an opportunity to respond with an improved display at Anfield.

Wesley Fofana could return to the starting line-up after going without a start since Chelsea's defeat to Brentford in September. He is expected to partner Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill in a potential three-man defence.

Lacroix and Colwill will also be looking to improve after unconvincing performances against Tottenham, with Alonso considering changes to his defensive options.

Marco Palestra could make his first competitive start for Chelsea after recovering from an injury that kept him out during the opening weeks of the season. The Italian is tipped to operate at right wing-back.

In midfield, Romeo Lavia could replace Jordan Henderson, allowing the 36-year-old former Liverpool captain to rest before the Manchester United fixture. However, Moises Caicedo is expected to retain his place because of the importance of the midfield battle.

Pedro Neto could feature on the left, with Pep Chavarria reportedly not yet ready to return to the squad.

Estevao is expected to start in place of Palmer, having not started a competitive match since early September, when Chelsea last played in the competition's previous round.

Rogers could operate as the left-sided attacking midfielder after struggling to make his usual impact against Tottenham in a less familiar role.

Meanwhile, Danny Welbeck is tipped to lead the attack as Alonso considers an alternative to the injured Joao Pedro. Emmanuel Emegha could feature from the bench.

Chelsea's predicted XI (3-4-3): Penders; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Palestra, Lavia, Caicedo, Neto; Estevao, Rogers, Welbeck.