Carabao Cup

Liverpool

28 Oct 2026 20:00

Chelsea

Prediction:

Liverpool to win 2.75

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LiverpoolDraw Chelsea

Liverpool vs Chelsea Predictions, Picks & Odds – 28/10/2026

Carabao Cup · 8th Finals

Liverpool vs Chelsea Preview

Liverpool arrive at this Carabao Cup eighth-round fixture in robust form, having won four of their last five matches. Their most recent outing, a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brentford, came at a cost: Dominik Szoboszlai reaggravated a hamstring problem and faces a prolonged absence. Iraola will likely rotate his squad given the congested schedule, with youngsters Lewis Koumas and Trey Nyoni expected to feature prominently under the Anfield floodlights.

Chelsea travel to Merseyside buoyed by four wins and a draw across their last five outings, though Xabi Alonso's preparations have been disrupted considerably. First-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is sidelined after jaw surgery, meaning young Mike Penders will start between the posts. Doubts also linger over Malo Gusto and Pep Chavarria. Despite those setbacks, Chelsea possess the squad depth to compete, and their recent Carabao Cup final defeats to Liverpool in 2022 and 2024 will sharpen their motivation.

Liverpool's home record underpins our 1X double chance selection. Four victories in five outings reflect a side brimming with confidence, and Anfield remains a fortress under Andoni Iraola. The home win price at 2.75 offers context, though the double chance cushion accounts for Chelsea's own strong recent run of four wins from five.

Chelsea's preparations have been disrupted. Emiliano Martinez's jaw fracture forces Mike Penders into the starting role, while doubts over Malo Gusto and Pep Chavarria thin the squad further. Liverpool have injury concerns of their own, with Dominik Szoboszlai sidelined, but their depth appears more resilient, particularly with Lewis Koumas and Trey Nyoni ready to contribute.

Both managers are expected to rotate given packed schedules, yet Liverpool's squad depth and Anfield's atmosphere tilt the balance. The draw at 2.50 remains a realistic outcome in a tight knockout tie where neither side will take unnecessary risks. Backing the home or draw outcome captures the likeliest scenarios in a fixture shaped by absentees and cup pragmatism.

Trends to Know about Liverpool vs Chelsea

• Liverpool won four of last five
• Chelsea missing first-choice goalkeeper Martinez
• Szoboszlai's absence weakens Liverpool's midfield depth

A 4-2-3-1 against a 4-3-3 shapes up as the tactical frame for this Carabao Cup tie at Anfield, with Florian Wirtz operating behind Alexander Isak in Liverpool's probable setup. The Reds' midfield axis of Gravenberch and Mac Allister will look to control the tempo against a Chelsea side with genuine quality through the centre.

Chelsea's formation carries a caveat: their XI remains speculated rather than confirmed, drawn from recent patterns and injury context rather than multiple credible sources. That uncertainty makes it difficult to read Enzo Maresca's precise intentions, though Cole Palmer is expected to feature prominently in behind the front line.

How to Watch Liverpool vs Chelsea Match?

What time is Liverpool vs Chelsea?

Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday 28 October 2026, with kickoff set for 20:00 BST.

Where is Liverpool vs Chelsea being played?

This fixture takes place at Anfield, Liverpool's iconic home ground on Merseyside.

How Can I Watch Liverpool vs Chelsea on TV and Live Stream?

This match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom.