According to a report by the London Evening Standard on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has made four changes to his starting lineup for tonight’s Carabao Cup fourth-round clash against Liverpool at Anfield. The Blues will be hoping to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Tottenham and secure a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Mike Penders will continue as Chelsea’s goalkeeper, while Maxence Lacroix and Josh Acheampong retain their places in the defensive setup following their involvement in the weekend loss. Wesley Fofana and Malo Gusto will complete the backline. The occasion will also be significant for Gusto, who is set to make his 100th start for Chelsea, marking an important milestone in his career at the club.

In midfield, Romeo Lavia returns to the starting eleven, joining Jordan Henderson and Moises Caicedo. Caicedo has been appointed captain for the encounter, placing additional responsibility on the midfielder as Chelsea prepare to face a strong Liverpool side on their home ground.

Chelsea’s attacking approach will be led by Danny Welbeck, who is expected to spearhead the forward line. Pedro Neto and Morgan Rogers will provide attacking support, with the trio tasked with creating scoring opportunities and putting pressure on Liverpool’s defence throughout the match.

Alonso has also named several options on the substitutes’ bench who could influence the game if called upon. Emmanuel Emegha is among the notable inclusions and could make his debut for Chelsea during the encounter. Young players Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli and Olutayo Subuloye have also been selected, giving the manager additional choices as the match progresses.

The Blues will be eager to demonstrate an improved performance after their recent setback against Tottenham. However, travelling to Anfield presents a difficult test, particularly against a Liverpool team determined to advance in the competition. Chelsea must remain organised defensively while taking advantage of their opportunities in attack if they are to achieve a positive result.

Chelsea’s starting eleven consists of Mike Penders, Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Moises Caicedo (captain), Romeo Lavia, Jordan Henderson, Pedro Neto, Danny Welbeck and Morgan Rogers.

The substitutes named for the match are Sharman-Lowe, Palestra, Colwill, Subuloye, Barco, Nicoll-Jazuli, Estevao, Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha. Chelsea will hope the selection changes help them overcome Liverpool and continue their pursuit of the Carabao Cup trophy.