ENGLISH OTHER BETTING PREVIEW - LIVERPOOL VS CHELSEA

English Other

2026-10-28 - Liverpool vs Chelsea

A Sports Betting Preview by Auls

Liverpool v Chelsea
Football: English League Cup Fourth Round
Wednesday 28th October 2026 - Kick Off 8pm
This game is live on TV

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Liverpool

Most Liverpool fans would accept that it will take Andoni Iraola a bit of time for the players to really respond to his methods, but there are signs that things are coming together. The last couple of weeks have been really positive for the team as the wins have piled up and Liverpool will be looking to keep that going ahead of a big Premier League game against Champions Arsenal.

Out of the four competitions Liverpool have entered, the League Cup may be the least of the priorities, but all trophies mean something to the fans of a club that have been used to winning. Two seasons ago, Liverpool reached the Final of the League Cup, while they won the competition under Jurgen Klopp in 2022 and 2024 so there will be some sense of expectation around Andoni Iraola to give the League Cup the respect it deserves.

Liverpool were beaten 0-3 by Manchester City after the last international break, but have responded by winning 4 games in a row in all competitions. They had been struggling for Premier League goals at Anfield before the 2-0 win over Brighton on Sunday and that result means Liverpool have won 3 of the last 4 games played here in all competitions.

Florian Wirtz picked up a knock on Sunday and is not expected to be risked, while Dominik Szoboszlai has targeted a return for Sunday. Victor Munoz could be involved on Wednesday, but the manager is likely going to make a number of rotations to the first team with the likes of Joe Gomez, Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha, Federico Chiesa and Lewis Koumas being drafted in.

Chelsea

Xabi Alonso would not have been very impressed when informed that there has been a leak around the availability of Joao Pedro in the hours leading up to the Tottenham Hotspur fixture, but that was not the main reason Chelsea were beaten on Saturday. The Spaniard will be demanding a big reaction as he takes them to Merseyside and Anfield, where Alonso is still hugely respected from his days playing for Liverpool.

The Blues have won three European trophies since last winning a domestic trophy when lifting the FA Cup in 2018 and fans will be hoping that Chelsea can win one of the domestic Cup competitions in a season where they are not competing in any UEFA competition. Wins over Luton Town and Leeds United have helped Chelsea into the League Cup Fourth Round, but both of those ties were won at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea had won both Premier League games on the return from the last international break, but that run was deservedly ended by Tottenham Hotspur this past weekend. It continues some inconsistent form and Chelsea have won 3 and lost 3 of the last 7 games played in all competitions. Chelsea did win on Merseyside earlier this month when beating Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium, but they had lost 2 away games in a row before that result.

Mike Penders made a huge mistake on Saturday to give Spurs the lead, but the goalkeeper will continue between the sticks in the absence of injured Emi Martinez. Pep Chavarria and Jamie Gittens could be back when the Premier League resumes on Saturday, but they are doubts for this game, as is Joao Pedro. Cole Palmer is suspended.

Head to Head

Chelsea took four points from Liverpool in the Premier League last season, including earning a 1-1 draw at Anfield.

Liverpool are unbeaten in 5 at home against Chelsea, but 3 of those games have ended in draws.

Prediction

Both of these teams have very important fixtures to play in the Premier League this weekend and that is likely going to influence team selections.

Despite being absent from European competition, Xabi Alonso has made changes for the previous League Cup ties. Subs made the difference in helping the team overcome Leeds United in the last Round, but Chelsea could be without both Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro with the former definitely absent serving a suspension and the latter doubtful with an injury that saw him miss the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

With that in mind, the manager may choose not to risk Morgan Rogers from the start and Chelsea are struggling for some consistency.

Andoni Iraola is also expected to ring the changes, but players that are coming in have had a bit more playing time than those expected to be starting for Chelsea.

Rio Ngumoah and Lewis Koumas started the home win over Villarreal in the Champions League and that familiarity can give Liverpool an advantage.

The Liverpool squad is still dealing with a number of injuries which may mean some more youngsters are given an opportunity, but Chelsea could struggle in the final third with the changes they are expected to make.

Goals are likely, but Liverpool look a big price to edge a fixture where a number of fringe players will be involved. The reality is that Liverpool's backup players have had more opportunities already this season compared with Chelsea's and that playing time could give them the edge in a competitive environment on Wednesday evening.

The Pick :

Liverpool 3-1 Chelsea

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I'll back Liverpool to Win at 2.25 with Bet365 (early payout if a team is leading by two goals)