Liverpool has welcomed former duo Xabi Alonso and Jordan Henderson back to Anfield for an EFL Cup clash against Chelsea, with the fans making their feelings clear

Liverpool fans have made their feelings clear about former Reds pair Xabi Alonso and Jordan Henderson on their return to Anfield.

With the Carabao Cup fourth-round tie setting up the encounter, it was a first chance for the home crowd to make their feelings known about both of them making a move to Chelsea. For Alonso, it comes as something of a shock that he is managing the Blues, after years of being linked with a move to be in the Liverpool hot seat as head coach one day.

Given the doubts that were raised over Arne Slot in the summer, it was a surprise to some that the former midfielder wasn't eyed up sooner, but he moved to Stamford Bridge before a change in manager happened on Merseyside.

In the time since, the Spaniard has overseen eight Premier League games, with four wins, one draw, and three defeats, along with passage in the Carabao Cup by beating Luton and Leeds.

There have been some promising signs for Alonso to build from, particularly when it comes to the attack, with plenty of goals being scored under his guidance. However, the team has been susceptible to conceding plenty of goals as well, creating some entertaining, end-to-end games.

As for Henderson, it's his first time back at Anfield since the final game of last season, when he was met with applause from the Liverpool fans during his time at Brentford.

For a former club captain to make such a move to Chelsea, however, is one that can divide opinion, and it certainly has during the first few months of his time in West London.

The midfielder was slammed by some fans for his recent celebrations when scoring twice for Chelsea against Bournemouth, as he beat the club badge on his chest.

With both of the former players returning to Anfield, the Liverpool fans made their feelings known about both of them, as the fans initially gave a warm reception to Henderson during the warm-ups for the two teams.

Then, once the teams came out, another positive response was given by the Liverpool fans, who applauded both the midfielder and his manager on their latest appearance on Merseyside. However, once the match kicked off, there were some half-hearted boos aimed at Henderson.

The Reds will be hoping that neither will have a huge impact on the game that plays out on the night, with a place in the Carabao Cup quarterfinal up for grabs.

There is recent history between Chelsea and Liverpool in the competition, with the fixture being the 2024 final, where the Reds ran out as 1-0 winners thanks to Virgil van Dijk's extra-time header.

It remains to be seen who will come out on top in the latest meeting between the two Premier League rivals, with early silverware on the table for either to grab.