According to a report by Football London on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is expected to make several changes to his starting line-up for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup encounter against Liverpool, with Estevao Willian pushing for a starting spot and Moises Caicedo potentially returning to midfield.

The Blues could rotate their squad for the fourth-round clash at Anfield, as injuries and suspensions are expected to create opportunities for players seeking more playing time.

Chelsea will be without Joao Pedro, who is recovering from a thigh injury, while Cole Palmer is unavailable due to suspension. Their absences could give Estevao an opportunity to impress, having last started a match in the competition on September 9.

Speaking about Joao Pedro’s injury, Alonso said: "He is a key player.

"We will miss him, but we will have to be ready to deal with the injury and to be competitive and to try to win games with the players that we have available.

"We are starting tomorrow against Liverpool, a cup game. This is the situation. We are ready to fight for it and ready to prove that we can show the level."

Alonso added: "This is why you build a squad. Some players are important, but these are situations that can happen, and you need to be looking for solutions, not looking for excuses."

Mike Penders is expected to retain his place in goal, with Emi Martinez still recovering from surgery on a fractured jaw. Wesley Fofana could also make his first start since Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford last month.

Fofana could feature in a back three alongside Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill. Marco Palestra is another candidate to start and could operate on the right, while Jorrel Hato may be deployed on the opposite flank.

In midfield, Romeo Lavia is expected to push for a return to the starting line-up following his recent absence.

Caicedo could also feature despite suggestions that he might benefit from additional rest after returning from injury.

Chelsea’s attacking line could feature Estevao and Morgan Rogers supporting Danny Welbeck, who is expected to lead the attack in Joao Pedro’s absence.

One predicted starting line-up has Penders in goal, with Fofana, Lacroix and Colwill in defence; Palestra, Lavia, Caicedo and Hato in midfield; and Estevao, Rogers and Welbeck leading the attack.