Xabi Alonso could make as many as seven changes to the starting lineup when Chelsea face Liverpool in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Although the Blues manager will be determined to return to winning ways, following a disappointing defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, he may recognise the value in rotating his side, in anticipation of a potentially season-defining clash.

Once Chelsea have locked horns with the Reds at Anfield on Wednesday night, they will have just two days to return to Cobham training ground, recharge their batteries, and prepare to face Manchester United.

The Blues fell out of the top four of the Premier League when they lost to the Lilywhites, conceding significant ground in the race for qualification to the Champions League.

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With the Red Devils on the ropes, too, having not won in eight games across all competitions, there will be no better time to pile the misery on a rival and climb the table.

So, with that being said, football.london has drafted the Chelsea starting lineup to face Liverpool.

Penders remains between the sticks

Alonso has already confirmed that Mike Penders will remain between the sticks at Anfield on Wednesday night, and rightly so. Although the 21-year-old goalkeeper had a full Premier League debut to forget at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night, misjudging the flight of a corner and punching the ball into his net, he has since been scapegoated.

Up until the final quarter of an hour or so, Penders had done well, so it's been a shame to see his performance be defined by one nervy moment. Whether it was a tactical failure by the manager or a technical issue, Tottenham dominated Chelsea from start to finish, enjoying the lion's share of possession and crafting some nice chances.

The Blues struggled to play through the high and relentless press of Roberto De Zerbi's side. Rather than persevere, Chelsea just resorted to going long, often into the channels, up to a frontline incapable – and understandably so, without a focal point – winning aerial duels or second balls.

Had the Blues at least buried the couple of chances they had when Spurs fluffed their lines, the general narrative around Penders and his performance would have been a lot different. The Belgian may have made the mistake that broke the deadlock, but he certainly was not at fault for the defeat.

Alonso tweaks Chelsea backline

At the back, Wesley Fofana should replace Josh Acheampong. The Cobham graduate hasn't put a foot wrong so far this season, but Alonso will need to keep him fresh for the weekend when Chelsea face Manchester United.

The change can, of course, be masked as an opportunity for the other Blues defender to make an impression. If Fofana does well, his performance will only breed healthy competition among the squad.

The Chelsea manager could also be inclined to rotate the wing-backs. But, with Pep Chavarria nursing a knock and Malo Gusto yet to play more than a couple of minutes since the international break, Alonso may only be able to give one of Pedro Neto and Jorrel Hato a rest.

Alonso trials new midfield partnership

Alonso could trial a new double pivot of Valentin Barco and Romeo Lavia on Wednesday night. Although the Chelsea manager would probably want to start Moises Caicedo, he's still only recently returned to action following a spell on the sidelines, so it's imperative that he stays fit and available.

Ultimately, the Ecuadorian needs to be carefully managed, and Jordan Henderson isn't a sustainable option, so Alonso needs one of Barco or Lavia to step up to the plate at Anfield.

Estevao tasked with Palmer challenge

With Cole Palmer unavailable for selection, having been shown a red card at the weekend, Estevao Willian will likely be tasked with shouldering much of the creative workload in the final third. The Chelsea teenager has the chance to set the record straight and show Alonso exactly why he deserves more opportunities.

Predicted Chelsea XI: Mike Penders; Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix, Wesley Fofana; Marco Palestra, Valentin Barco, Romeo Lavia, Malo Gusto; Geovany Quenda, Estevao Willian; Danny Welbeck.