Liverpool vs Chelsea prediction: teams form analysis, possible lineups on October 28, 2026
Liverpool and Chelsea will meet on October 28, 2026, in the round of 16 of the English League Cup. Both sides will be keen to advance, but it is unlikely that either will view the competition as a priority.
Liverpool - Chelsea team news and expert analysis
The Anfield giants not only failed to retain the title in 2025/2026 but also dropped to fifth place in the Premier League. Slot was therefore expectedly dismissed. Iraola replaced him and made a decent start, despite drawing plenty of matches — although in October they suffered a 0-3 defeat to Manchester City. After that, however, they beat Brentford and Brighton domestically, as well as LASK and Villarreal in the Champions League.
The top London club, after a strong season two years ago and parting ways with Maresca in the winter, finished last season's Premier League campaign as low as 10th. Points were also dropped in half of the matches at the start of the season under Xabi Alonso.
In the League Cup, Gakpo and company comfortably beat Tottenham 3-1. The visitors from the capital began their campaign back in the summer with a win over Luton. At the start of autumn, they then recorded a “tennis score” of 6-3 against a solid Leeds side.
Liverpool's Recent Form and Team News
Liverpool have won four consecutive matches since their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City. They bounced back with victories over Brentford and Brighton in the Premier League, alongside Champions League wins against LASK and Villarreal.
Their European performances have been particularly impressive. Liverpool beat LASK before coming from two goals behind to defeat Villarreal. Alexis Mac Allister scored twice against the Spanish side, while Ronald Araujo and Florian Wirtz also found the net.
The Reds followed those results with a victory over Brighton. Alexander Isak scored his sixth goal of the season, while Liverpool recorded a welcome clean sheet after conceding nine goals in their previous three matches. Iraola recently confirmed that he plans to rotate his squad against Chelsea. Florian Wirtz could be available despite twisting his ankle against Brighton, but Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike remain sidelined. Several younger players are expected to feature, including Rio Ngumoha. Cody Gakpo is another option, having scored seven goals in his last six League Cup at Anfield.
Chelsea's Latest Results and Injury Updates
Chelsea come into the match following home defeat to Tottenham. The visitors broke the deadlock in the 77th minute following an own goal by goalkeeper Mike Penders, before Cole Palmer was sent off for a second yellow card. The result ended Chelsea's brief recovery following a 2-0 away win over Everton. Defensive problems remain a concern, with Alonso's team conceding an average of 1.88 goals per Premier League match.
Chelsea will also be without Palmer against Liverpool due to suspension. João Pedro has been ruled out for several weeks with a thigh injury, leaving Alonso short of attacking options. However, Emmanuel Emegha has recovered from a hamstring injury and could make his Chelsea debut at Anfield. The Dutch striker returned to full training ahead of the match. Alonso has confirmed that Penders will start in goal despite his mistake against Tottenham.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Prediction
Liverpool head into the League Cup clash on a four-match winning streak, while Chelsea continue to struggle for consistency, particularly in defence. The visitors will also be without several key attacking players, which could make their task at Anfield even more difficult.
Both managers are expected to rotate their squads ahead of important Premier League fixtures, making the outcome harder to predict. Still, Liverpool's recent form and home advantage make them the more convincing choice.
We favour Liverpool (home) win with a handicap of 0 (odds of 1.83).
Liverpool - Chelsea: key statistics and trends
- Liverpool have won their last four matches
- Liverpool score an average of 1.38 goals and concede 1 goal per match
- Both teams score in 38% of Liverpool's matches, while the average total goals per match is 2.38
- Chelsea have won only three of their last seven matches
- Chelsea score an average of 2.13 goals and concede 1.88 goals per match
- Both teams score in 63% of Chelsea's matches, while the average total goals per match is 4.0
Liverpool - Chelsea: Possible Starting Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili - Araujo, Jacquet, Gomez, Kerkez - Nyoni, Mac Allister - Ngumoha, McConnell, Gakpo - Koumas.
Chelsea (4-3-3): Penders - Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Palestra - Caicedo, Lavia, Barco - Estêvão, Welbeck, Rogers.
