Liverpool advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup after defeating Chelsea 6-5 in a penalty shootout at Anfield.
Andoni Iraola’s men welcomed Xabi Alonso’s side and played out an even contest over 90 minutes with the only goals coming from two penalties at either end of the pitch. Morgan Rogers sent Chelsea into the lead before Cody Gakpo converted and levelled at 1-1.
No further goals arrived meaning the fourth round tie needed to be decided by penalties. Seven spot kicks were scored in succession before Valentin Barco hit the post and left Kostas Tsimikas with the chance to win it. He didn’t.
A further miss for Liverpool set up a chance for Chelsea but Emmanuel Emega was denied by Giorgi Mamardashvili. Joe Gomez fires Liverpool back in front and Wesley Fofana fired over the top to send Liverpool through!
Relive the action from the Carabao Cup with our live blog below:
Read MoreLiverpool edge out Chelsea with penalty shootout victory in Carabao Cup
Liverpool v Chelsea live
- Liverpool advance 6-5 in penalty shootout against Chelsea in Carabao Cup fourth round
- 43' GOAL! Gakpo converts Liverpool penalty to equalise (LIV 1-1 CHE)
- 40' GOAL! Rogers fires Chelsea into lead (LIV 0-1 CHE)
- 38' PENALTY! Gravenberch takes out Caicedo in the box (LIV 0-0 CHE)
Carabao Cup quarter-final draw
Wednesday 28 October 2026 22:15 , Mike JonesThere’s barely time for any reaction before the quarter-final draw takes place.
Follow that live right here:
Carabao Cup draw LIVE: Quarter-finalists to learn opponents after tonight’s ties
Liverpool 6-5 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 22:12 , Mike JonesWesley Fofana fires over the top!
Anfield erupts in delight!
Liverpool have beaten Chelsea in the penalty shootout!
They advance to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Liverpool 6-5 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 22:11 , Mike JonesStill all square.
Here comes Joe Gomez.
Delightfully smoked into the back of the net.
Liverpool 5-5 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 22:10 , Mike JonesLiverpool had a chance to win it. Now so do Chelsea.
Emmanuel Emega goes low to Mamardashvili’s right but the goalkeeper denies him!
Wow!
Liverpool 5-5 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 22:09 , Mike JonesRyan Gravenberch strides forward and doesn’t look confident.
He shouldn’t be!
Penders drops to the left and keeps out the shot!
Advantage Chelsea...
Liverpool 5-5 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 22:08 , Mike JonesChelsea’s next take is defender Levi Colwill.
He has to score...
... and does!
Liverpool 5-4 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 22:08 , Mike JonesBradley Barcola is up first in sudden death. Can he restore Liverpool’s lead?
Yes!
Top bins.
Liverpool 4-4 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 22:07 , Mike JonesJordan Henderson, former Liverpool captain, needs to score to keep Chelsea in the tie.
He takes a breath and blasts it straight down the middle!
All square again.
Liverpool 4-3 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 22:06 , Mike JonesKostas Tsimikas has the chance to win this game for Liverpool and advance them into the quarter-finals.
He places the ball and fires it over the top!
Chelsea have a reprieve!
Guess who’s up next...
Liverpool 4-3 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 22:05 , Mike JonesNow then.
Chelsea call on Valentin Barco.
He hits the post!
It was a strange run up and chip and Barco strikes the woodwork!
Liverpool 4-3 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 22:04 , Mike JonesFlorian Wirtz is the next man up for Liverpool.
He’s improved over the last few weeks and that confidence shows with a low effort right into the corner.
Liverpool 3-3 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 22:03 , Mike JonesRomeo Lavia is the sixth take in this shootout.
He needs to score to keep Chelsea in touching distance.
Lavia rolls it into the bottom right corner with ease.
Liverpool 3-2 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 22:02 , Mike JonesCody Gakpo stands over the ball for a second time tonight and wastes no time in finding the back of the net again!
Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 22:02 , Mike JonesMorgan Rogers has already scored one penalty tonight and now he’s up to shoot again.
Mamardashvili dives the correct way but Rogers scuttles the ball under him and scores!
Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 22:01 , Mike JonesNow it’s the turn of Alexander Isak.
He played 10 minutes of the game and is up second for Liverpool.
Isak looks calm and finds the top left hand corner!
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 22:00 , Mike JonesHere comes Pedro Neto.
He’s up first for Chelsea against Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Neto goes down the middle and levels for Chelsea.
Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:59 , Mike JonesMac Allister scores!
He slots the ball to the goalkeeper’s right and blasts it into the top corner.
Penalties: Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:58 , Mike JonesThe penalties will be taken in front of the Kop.
Liverpool are up first and Alexis Mac Allister has the ball...
Full-time! Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:53 , Mike Jones90+3 mins: Penalties it is!
Both goals in this game came from the spot and the tie itself will be decided from it.
Who will go through to the quarter-finals?
Liverpool to have the advantage?
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:51 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldIf this goes to a shootout, Liverpool would seem to have more likely penalty takers on the pitch than Chelsea - though shootouts don't always follow that logic.
“Still, Isak, Wirtz, Mac Allister, Gakpo and Barcola could be their takers - though Tsimikas once scored the winning penalty in an FA Cup final shootout against Chelsea.”
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:51 , Mike Jones90 mins: Three minutes off added time to play.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:48 , Mike Jones86 mins: Four minutes of the 90 to go and the momentum has swung towards Liverpool.
They can’t find a way past Penders though who is just building confidence ahead of a possible penalty shootout.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:44 , Mike Jones83 mins: Isak and Mac Allister do come on and they replace Ngumoha and Nyoni.
Liverpool have undoubtably the better 11 on the pitch now but can they capitalise with time running out?
Bringing on the penalty takers
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:41 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldAlexis Mac Allister and Alexander Isak are set to come on.
“This one could have a penalty shootout and they would be two very obvious penalty takers.”
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:40 , Mike Jones80 mins: 10 minutes to play and there’s a pause in the game as Fofana lands heavily following an aerial challenge.
Iraola is rolling the dice once more with a couple more substitutions...
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:38 , Mike Jones76 mins: Chelsea are pushing more and a great move sees Neto feed Rogers.
He then slips a pass into the left side of the box where Palestra runs onto it and shoots.
Mamardashvili drops to his right and tips the ball wide!
Another fine save in this game.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:35 , Mike Jones73 mins: Time is ticking away in this game.
Still nothing to separate the two teams. If the score remains as it is the tie will go to penalties.
No trust for Estevao?
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:30 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldLots of Chelsea changes and still no Estevao Willian.
“It is hard to escape the sense Alonso does not trust a huge talent.”
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:29 , Mike Jones70 mins: A triple change from Xabi Alonso.
Caicedo, Welbeck and Gusto go off with Emegha, Palestra, and Barco brought on.
20 minutes to play.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:28 , Mike Jones67 mins: Chelsea deliberate over a free kick right in front of goal.
Henderson and Rogers set the wall but it’s a long way out.
Rogers takes the shot and fires it well wide of goal.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:26 , Mike Jones64 mins: Save!
Penders is called into action once again. This time it’s Barcola who dances across the front edge of the box before drilling a low effort towards the bottom right corner.
Penders leaps low and pushes the ball wide!
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:22 , Mike Jones60 mins: Save!
Joe Gomez sweeps a cross into the box from the right and finds Araujo.
The Liverpool defender powers a header towards goal but Penders is on hand to palm it away.
Chelsea fly quickly up the pitch and find Rogers. He dribbles into the box and shoots but his effort is deflected out for a corner.
An injection of quality
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:20 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldAn injection of quality from Liverpool, two homegrown players going off and two £100m players coming on.
“Wirtz, of course, produced the best form of his career for Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen.”
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:19 , Mike Jones57 mins: Talking off Liverpool’s strength in depth.
Here comes Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz. They are introduced to replace James McConnell and Lewis Koumas.
Those changes should yield more pace and creativity.
Steven Gerrard's slip
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:17 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldNow the fans are trading songs about Steven Gerrard, Chelsea referencing the infamous slip against them here in 2014.
“Although Chelsea did try to sign him in both 2004 and 2005.”
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:16 , Mike Jones54 mins: Liverpool have the better bench and if the match remains level for much longer Andoni Iraola will probably call on his big guns.
Van Dijk turns the ball out for a Chelsea corner.
Neto plays it shot to Gusto who gives it to Henderson. Chelsea look to run the ball into the box but lose possession.
Gusto remains on the ground and Van Dijk looks at him in disbelief.
Ngumoha v Acheampong
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:12 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldRio Ngumoha looked to have the beating of Josh Acheampong in the first half.
“Now the Chelsea right-back is on a booking, it should encourage the Liverpool winger to run at him more often.”
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:11 , Mike Jones51 mins: Chelsea have everyone behind the ball as Liverpool come forward.
Ngumoha is brought down by Josh Acheampong who earns himself a booking in the process.
The resultant free kick is lofted into the penalty area by Tsimikas but he can’t pick out a teammate.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:09 , Mike Jones48 mins: Chance!
Chelsea cross the ball into Neto who feeds it into the feet of Rogers as he runs into the box.
The ball bounces up and strikes him arm which makes Liverpool ease off.
Rogers shoots though and Mamardashvili leaps to the left and palms the effort wide of the target.
A good job he did as the referee wasn’t for awarding Liverpool a handball.
Second half! Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:05 , Mike JonesChelsea get the ball rolling once again for the second half.
No changes from either manager at the break.
HT Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 21:02 , Mike JonesLet’s take a look at the first half breakdown.
Chelsea edged possession 50.5% to 49.5% but Liverpool had the most chances.
The Reds created six attempts with two on target. Chelsea, in comparison, created two shots with one on target.
All that reflects the game so far and the scoreline. Fair and even.
All to play for after the break.
HT Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:59 , Mike Jones
Opportunities
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:54 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldIt's worth remembering Cole Palmer would probably have taken Chelsea’s penalty, but for his silly sending off against Spurs. Rogers took it well instead.
“These weakened teams are offering chances for players who are not regular penalty-takers... Isak and Szoboszlai seem the main two takers for Liverpool, while for most of Gakpo's Anfield career, a certain Mohamed Salah tended to take them.”
Half-time! Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:50 , Mike Jones45+3 mins: The whistle goes to end the first half at Anfield.
The game is all square with both teams awarded penalties and then converting them.
Other than that there hasn’t been much to celebrate but that leaves the game fine poised for the second half.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:47 , Mike Jones45 mins: Major concern for Chelsea.
Maxence Lacroix pulls up clutching his hamstring and he can’t continue.
Levi Colwill comes on to replace him.
Three minutes of added time to play.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea (Cody Gakpo, 43')
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:44 , Mike JonesCody Gakpo is the man to step up for Liverpool.
He rolls the ball into the bottom left corner as Mike Penders dives in the opposite direction.
All square!
Penalty to Liverpool!
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:43 , Mike JonesLiverpool 0-1 Chelsea
42 mins: Liverpool have a reprieve. A corner ball is swung into the box and Wesley Fofana has his arm outstretched.
The ball clips his fingers and Liverpool appeal for handball!
The referee points to the spot...
GOAL! Liverpool 0-1 Chelsea (Morgan Rogers, 40')
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:40 , Mike JonesMorgan Rogers places the ball on the penalty spot and eyes up the target.
Amid a chorus of boos from the Liverpool supporters, Rogers guides his penalty to Giorgi Mamardashvili’s left and hits the back of the net.
Chelsea lead!
Penalty to Chelsea!
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:39 , Mike JonesLiverpool 0-0 Chelsea
38 mins: Drama!
Moises Caicedo makes a run into the box and is cleaned out from behind by Ryan Gravenberch as the ball is played into the area.
The referee blows up and points to the spot. There’s no VAR and the visitors have the chance to take the lead...
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:37 , Mike Jones36 mins: Pedro Neto twists his way into the box from the right and creates some space... only to send his final pass into the feet of the nearest Liverpool defender.
Few chances created
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:34 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldNeither side has created much so far.
“That might be what happens when they both play defensive midfielders as No 10s.”
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:33 , Mike Jones33 mins: The Liverpool fans are chanting ‘Rio, Rio, Rio’ to their young winger.
Ngumoha certainly seems the most threatening for the Reds at present.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:30 , Mike Jones30 mins: Half an hour played at Anfield and still nothing to really split the two teams.
There hasn’t been many clear chances at goal and neither team has taken a firm grip of proceedings.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:27 , Mike Jones27 mins: Penalty shout!
Rogers is slipped into the left side of the box and is shouldered away from the ball by Araujo.
The pair get tangled up and Rogers is convinced that he was fouled.
The referee is less so and waves for play to continue.
A quick note to say that there is no VAR in tonight’s match as that doesn’t come into play until the semi-finals.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:24 , Mike Jones24 mins: Ngumoha does superbly to dribble through two Chelsea defenders before releasing Tsimikas on the left wing.
Tsimiskas has teammates available in the area but his low cross is poor and Chelsea clear.
Ngumoha’s skills deserved a better final ball than that one.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:23 , Mike Jones21 mins: James McConnell stops a Chelsea counter attack from developing by sticking out a hand and pushing the ball backwards.
That move earns him a yellow card.
The free kick sees Jordan Henderson find Gusto on the left side of the box. Gusto’s cutback comes to Caicedo who hooks a long range effort wide of the post.
Liverpool's songs
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:19 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldThe Liverpool fans are chorusing the name of one of the heroes of their 2005 Champions League win, a Spaniard signed by Rafa Benitez - but Luis Garcia, not Xabi Alonso.”
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:18 , Mike Jones18 mins: Tsimikas wins Liverpool the first corner of the game.
Cody Gakpo is the man to take the set piece but a bit of argy bargy in the box sees Malo Gusto hit the deck and Chelsea win a free kick.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:15 , Mike Jones15 mins: Morgan Rogers tries a hopeful ball into the box for Pedro Neto but Mamardashvili is quickly off his line to smother the ball.
Liverpool attempt a quick transition but lose possession and set up the Blues for a counter attack.
An attempted chip from Moises Caicedo is intercepted by Ngumoha who then loses it on the edge of his own area only for Ronald Araujo to smash it clear.
No nonsense stuff.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:12 , Mike Jones12 mins: Lewis Koumas slips a lovely pass into the right side of the box for Cody Gakpo.
He’s beaten to it by Maxence Lacroix who looks to run the ball clear but it clattered by a pressing Koumas.
The Anfield faithful enjoy the tackle but it does earn the youngster a yellow card.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:10 , Mike Jones9 mins: Neto fouls Rio Ngumoha and gives Liverpool a free kick over on the left side of the pitch, inside Chelsea’s final third.
Kostas Tsimikas stands over the ball and crosses it into the box. Chelsea win the header and nod the ball away from the danger zone.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:06 , Mike Jones6 mins: The first shot of the night comes to Danny Welbeck though it isn’t a great one.
Pedro Neto attempts to weave his way into the area before releasing to Welbeck who turns a soft effort into the arms of Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Henderson as a 10?
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:04 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldRemarkably, it sems as though Jordan Henderson is playing as a No 10 for Chelsea - a role he may not have occupied since his Sunderland days.
“Meanwhile, Liverpool's No 10 is also a defensive midfielder, in James McConnell.”
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:04 , Mike Jones3 mins: Chelsea defend well as Liverpool attempt to find a way into the box.
No joy for the hosts and the ball goes out for a Chelsea throw in.
Kick off! Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 20:01 , Mike JonesLiverpool get the ball rolling at Anfield and fire a long ball over to the right side of the pitch.
The Reds put a bit of pressure on the Chelsea defence and fizz the ball around slickly.
Chelsea’s shape is solid though and they force a retreat.
One of the subplots
Wednesday 28 October 2026 19:57 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldOne of the subplots of tonight is that Chelsea start with Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, two of Liverpool's targets in the summer of 2023 - when they sold Jordan Henderson to Al-Ettifaq.
“Instead of replacing him, three years later they are alongside him.”
Liverpool vs Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 19:54 , Mike JonesAlright, it’s almost time for kick off.
The players will head out onto the pitch shortly and the match will begin at 8pm.
Four other Carabao Cup fourth round ties are already underway and the draw for the quarter-final stage will take place at the conclusion of this match.
But first, Liverpool host Chelsea in the Carabao Cup and kick off is up next...
A good omen for Chelsea?
Wednesday 28 October 2026 19:48 , Mike JonesOf their last 12 ties played in this competition, Liverpool are facing opposition from London for the eighth time.
Their last three Anfield defeats in the League Cup have all been inflicted by London teams – Chelsea (2018-19), Arsenal on penalties (2020-21) and Crystal Palace (2025-26).
No joy for Alonso
Wednesday 28 October 2026 19:42 , Mike JonesXabi Alonso takes charge of a team at Anfield for the third time tonight.
He lost 4-0 with Bayer Leverkusen in November 2024 and, almost a year to the day later, his Real Madrid side were beaten 1-0.
Can he end that losing run tonight?
A rare bench of subs
Wednesday 28 October 2026 19:38 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldWith all three of their £100m men on the bench, in Isak, Barcola and Wirtz, plus Jacquet and Alisson, Liverpool have substitutes with a combined cost of over £500m.
“A rarity, though Manchester City had the same for their recent game against Ipswich, when Enzo Fernandez and Elliot Anderson were among their subs.”
'It would be incredible to win again'
Wednesday 28 October 2026 19:36 , Mike JonesChelsea’s Danny Welbeck gave his thoughts on the Carabao Cup and outlined the aim for the club.
“We want to keep on pushing in every single competition that we’re in, and we’ve got a nice tie now in the next round that we’re really looking forward to,” he said.
“It would be incredible to win the competition again. Winning is something that I love to do.
“To win trophies is what you really push for as a young boy, and when you’re growing up and in your career, you’re always looking to try to win trophies.
“This is a great opportunity for us, and it would be special for us to try and get a trophy.”
Liverpool to keep improving
Wednesday 28 October 2026 19:30 , Mike JonesLiverpool have won each of their last four matches across all competitions and look as though they are finally starting to click under Andoni Iraola.
"The more time we stay together, the more experiences we have together," he said.
"The more comebacks, the more sometimes losses, the better you know each other and the easier it is to have references, to evolve.
"We want to do this process while we win games and that's the secret. But now every game is a challenge, everything is costing us, but we have to keep going."
Can Liverpool win the Carabao Cup?
Wednesday 28 October 2026 19:24 , Mike JonesDo the Reds have a chance of winning the league cup this year?
"I think every competition is an opportunity, especially when you are the coach of Liverpool. You have to take it like this,” Andoni Iraola said.
"I would love to win and have the chance to get further in the competition. But I know that we have to play very well, we have to beat a very good team.
"It's also a team that doesn't play in Europe, so for sure for them this competition is also very important. So, it's not going to be easy."
Iraola on Alonso
Wednesday 28 October 2026 19:18 , Mike JonesAndoni Iraola and Xabi Alonso are former teammates and fellow countrymen as well as friends.
Speaking of his opposite number in the dugout tonight, the Liverpool boss said: "I think we've done already, I don't know, maybe 25 interviews talking about our relationship, and I can talk again.
"But I think in this moment everyone knows that we were close friends, we grew up together, we played in the same team. We played as football players against each other, we played together in the national team in Spain and with the Basque Country.
"But now he's the opposition and we want to beat him – and the same way he will do with us. After the game, we can talk, definitely.
"I said the other day with Inigo and it's the same with Xabi, once we are playing against each other, the relationship is not good because you kind of stop talking to the other, kind of a respect thing.
"But he's a very good friend and I wish him all the best, definitely."
Third round results
Wednesday 28 October 2026 19:12 , Mike JonesChelsea smashed Leeds United 6-3 in the previous round of the competition and will aim to achieve a similar result at Anfield.
Liverpool, meanwhile, eased past Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 and will be confident of dumping another Premier League club out of the competition.
Team changes
Wednesday 28 October 2026 19:06 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldTwo Champions League-winning midfielders who wore the No 14 shirt are back at Anfield, and it may be a surprise that Xabi Alonso has selected the veteran Jordan Henderson, rather than resting him.
“Chelsea are without the suspended Cole Palmer and the injured Joao Pedro, Reece James and Emi Martinez but Alonso brings in Danny Welbeck in attack.
“Perhaps tellingly, Estevao Willian is only a substitute. There are seven changes for Liverpool, with only Van Dijk, Araujo, Gakpo and Gravenberch staying in. Chelsea might seem to have a stronger starting 11.”
Who replaces Joao Pedro? How Xabi Alonso can solve Chelsea’s attacking dilemma
Wednesday 28 October 2026 19:00 , Will CastleChelsea were toothless without the injured Joao Pedro against Tottenham, leaving Alonso with the task of finding an adequate solution in his absence.
Who replaces Joao Pedro? How Alonso can solve Chelsea striker dilemma
Liverpool team to take on Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 18:57 , Mike JonesLiverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Araujo, Gomez, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Nyoni, McConnell, Gravenberch; Gakpo, Koumas, Ngumoha
Come on you Reds ✊🔴 pic.twitter.com/o9Rc2yjV7c
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 28, 2026
Chelsea team to face Liverpool
Wednesday 28 October 2026 18:54 , Mike JonesChelsea XI: Penders; Acheampong, Fofana, Lacroix, Gusto; Caicedo, Lavia, Henderson; Neto, Welbeck, Rogers
Tonight's Blues. ✊💙#CFC | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/Q7pTQHkgDc
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 28, 2026
Is Alonso prepared for Anfield?
Wednesday 28 October 2026 18:48 , Mike JonesThe Chelsea boss was asked if he previous experiences coming to Anfield as a manager could impact tonight’s match in favour of his players.
He responded: “It’s a different game, different competition, different club, with players that have played at Anfield many times.
“They know what we are expecting. It's a cup game, and there can be special moments.
“Some things are different in this kind of game, so I don't compare them.”
Alonso on returning to Anfield
Wednesday 28 October 2026 18:42 , Mike JonesXabi Alonso returns to Anfield this evening to face Liverpool where he spent five seasons as a player.
But when asked how he will react during the game, Alonso replied: “I need to support my team.
“I need to support my club. I fight for my club, and if we score, I will celebrate, for sure, but with respect for the opponent because my bond with Liverpool is there.
“But I am in a different role now.”
Chelsea's fond memories
Wednesday 28 October 2026 18:36 , Mike JonesThis is the 11th encounter between Chelsea and Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.
It is also Xabi Alonso’s side’s second trip to Merseyside in 12 days, following the impressive 2-0 Premier League victory at nearby Everton.
Chelsea are unbeaten in four cup visits to Merseyside since a 2007 match in the Champions League, when the current Blues boss was wearing red.
Xabi Alonso’s return to Liverpool felt inevitable – behind the scenes, the reality was always different
Wednesday 28 October 2026 18:30 , Mike JonesFrom the outside, the club legend appeared the ‘king over the water’ who could have succeeded either Jurgen Klopp or Arne Slot.
But in Andoni Iraola, Liverpool identified a head coach who they felt was a better fit for the style of play Anfield wants to see says Richard Jolly.
Xabi Alonso’s return to Liverpool felt inevitable – the reality was always different
Chelsea's early team news
Wednesday 28 October 2026 18:24 , Mike JonesChelsea will be without Joao Pedro for the next “few weeks” while Cole Palmer is suspended following his red card against Tottenham on Saturday.
Morgan Rogers led the line on the weekend but had little impact, meaning Alonso could opt to start 35-year-old summer recruit Danny Welbeck, who has started both previous Carabao Cup ties this season.
Estevao, meanwhile, could be in store for more minutes and MIke Penders will remain in goal despite his error against Tottenham as Emiliano Martinez remains sidelined with a fractured jaw.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Penders; Palestra, Lacroix, Colwill, Gusto; Henderson, Caicedo; Quenda, Estevao, Rogers; Welbeck
Liverpool's early team news
Wednesday 28 October 2026 18:18 , Mike JonesLiverpool will make a late call whether to select Florian Wirtz in their Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea. The German has an ankle problem and while manager Andoni Iraola hopes he will be available to play, he is not sure.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz are major fitness doubts with thigh and knee problems respectively which have forced them to miss Liverpool’s last two games.
Iraola is set to rotate which could mean players such as Lewis Koumas, Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha and Kostas Tsimikas come in. Liverpool will still be without the injured quartet of Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Jeremie Frimpong.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Araujo, Gomez, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Ngumoha, Nyoni, Gakpo; Koumas
Is Liverpool v Chelsea on TV?
Wednesday 28 October 2026 18:12 , Mike JonesViewers will have the choice of watching on Sky Sports or ITV.
Coverage on Sky begins on Main Event at 7pm, while ITV 1’s coverage gets underway from 7:30pm.
Kick-off is 8pm and the fourth-round draw will follow.
When is the match being played?
Wednesday 28 October 2026 18:06 , Mike JonesLiverpool vs Chelsea is being played at Anfield on Wednesday 18 October.
The fixture is a Carabao Cup fourth round tie and should the game finish in a drew after 90 minutes and added time the tie will go straight to penalties.
Liverpool vs Chelsea
Wednesday 28 October 2026 18:00 , Mike JonesLiverpool host Chelsea in the Carabao Cup as Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield as Blues boss for the first time.
Former midfielder Alonso became a Liverpool great at a time when their rivalry with Chelsea was at its peak but moved to Stamford Bridge in the summer rather than waiting to see if the Anfield hotseat became available.
Instead, fellow Basque Andoni Iraola took over at Liverpool following the sacking of Arne Slot, with the former Bournemouth boss overseeing four consecutive wins for the first time following Sunday’s victory over Brighton.
Alonso’s side suffered a derby defeat to rivals Tottenham on Saturday and will be without the suspended Cole Palmer, while striker Joao Pedro has been ruled out for a “few weeks” with an injury.
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, meanwhile, will also make his return to Anfield as part of the Chelsea midfield, with a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals up for grabs.
Good evening!
Wednesday 28 October 2026 15:39 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Carabao Cup action as Liverpool host Chelsea in the fourth round.
This all Premier League tie has the makings of a classic with Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso returning to Anfield where he spent his playing days with the Reds.
Also making the trip back down memory lane is former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson who could feature in midfield for Chelsea tonight.
Liverpool are in better form than there counterparts but in a one game shootout for a place in the league cup quarter-finals anything can happen.
We’ll have all the coverage of tonight’s match throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.
