Liverpool host Chelsea in a monster tie in the last 16 of the League Cup on Wednesday, with Andoni Iraola and Xabi Alonso both desperate for silverware in their first seasons at huge clubs.

Iraola’s Liverpool have finally clicked, as four-straight wins in all competitions has seen them score plenty of goals with Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak striking up a fine partnership up top and the defensive balance is now much better.

Chelsea lost 2-0 at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday as Xabi Alonso is suffering some teething problems in his first few months in charge of the Blues. Joao Pedro being out injured is a big blow but Chelsea still have plenty of quality to hurt opponents.

How to watch Liverpool vs Chelsea live, stream link and start time

Kick off time: 4pm ET Wednesday (October 28)
Venue: Anfield — Liverpool
TV Channel/Streaming: Paramount+

Liverpool team news

Andoni Iraola said that he was optimistic Florian Wirtz would be available to feature, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz remain doubts. Liverpool are without Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni through injury. In attack Isak and Barcola have developed a really good partnership, while at the back Jeremy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk have been really solid and Ronald Araujo is becoming a fans’ favorite at right back. Iraola has hinted at changes, so the likes of Joe Gomez, Lewis Koumas, Rio Ngumoha, Kostas Tsimikas and Giorgi Mamardashvili could all come in to start with rotation key to keeping the tempo high.

Chelsea team news

Alonso will be looking for a response from his Chelsea side after a sluggish display at home against Spurs on Saturday. With no European action this season, this competition is very important for Chelsea and Alonso will likely go strong with his lineup despite a home league game against Manchester United coming up on Saturday. With Joao Pedro out injured and Cole Palmer suspended, Alonso is likely to start Danny Welbeck up top and Estevao could start in attack. Key duo Reece James and Emiliano Martinez remain out injured.

Liverpool vs Chelsea prediction

This feels like it will be a very even game and has the potential for goals galore. The hosts are looking more confident and will get the job done. Liverpool 3-2 Chelsea.