Chelsea are looking to quickly bounce back from their 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur this Wednesday.

Xabi Alonso’s side travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. Because of suspension, Alonso will be forced to make at least one change.

Following his red card against Tottenham, Cole Palmer will not be back until the weekend to face Manchester United. Will there be any other changes? The Chelsea Chronicle is certainly expecting a few more!

Chelsea predicted XI vs Liverpool

Despite his costly error, Mike Penders is guaranteed to start at Anfield, with Emiliano Martinez still out injured. Penders was singled out for his role in the Spurs defeat, but Alonso needs to take most of the blame for that loss.

One change Alonso could make at the back is Wesley Fofana for Josh Acheampong. Acheampong was not Chelsea’s worst player against Tottenham and has performed quite well overall this season. This is just a rotation thing and ensuring a £70m defender is not completely forgotten.

The rest of Chelsea’s back three is likely to consist of Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill.

Pedro Neto has arguably been Chelsea’s best player this term. He has undoubtedly been one of Alonso’s top performers, but he is due a rest. Marco Palestra, who was signed from Atalanta for £47m in the summer, can take over.

Moises Caicedo is another one of Alonso’s star performers who could get the night off. That would pave the way for Romeo Lavia to come in, while Valentin Barco could also replace Jordan Henderson and join him in the middle.

If Pep Chavarria has not recovered from his injury, Jorrel Hato will definitely keep his place in the side. Next up are the forward positions.

Palmer is suspended, so Estevao Willian should come in for him. Morgan Rogers is likely to return to the left and could play opposite Estevao.

Danny Welbeck was unfortunate not to start against Tottenham. It is unlikely that Joao Pedro will recover in time for the trip to Anfield, so Welbeck must be named in the first XI for this one.

Predicted Chelsea XI (3-4-2-1): Penders; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Palestra, Lavia, Barco, Hato; Estevao, Rodgers; Welbeck