Chelsea left without attacking leaders: Liverpool vs Chelsea prediction
In the fourth round of the 2026/27 EFL Cup, Liverpool will host Chelsea on October 28. The Reds are gradually finding their rhythm under Andoni Iraola and will be looking to continue their push for the trophy after a disappointing campaign last season. The Londoners arrive with significant personnel losses and attacking problems that have already taken a toll on the team's results.
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Liverpool: character and the ability to correct mistakes
The Reds have suffered just one defeat this season, losing 0-3 to Manchester City. In their latest Premier League outing, the team comfortably beat Brighton 2-0 to secure their first home league win. Liverpool's mental resilience has been particularly impressive: they conceded first in six matches but lost only once, recording three comeback victories.
For the cup clash, Iraola is planning significant rotation. Alisson and Virgil van Dijk will be rested, while Florian Wirtz will miss the game through injury. Hugo Ekitike, Dominik Szoboszlai and several other players are also unavailable. Cody Gakpo, who has recorded seven goal contributions in eight matches, will be the focal point of the attack, while youngster Lewis Koumas could lead the line.
Chelsea: Pedro and Palmer's absence exposes the problems
Xabi Alonso's side have won six of their ten matches this season, but the Londoners are clearly lacking consistency. After the injury to Joao Pedro, who had contributed five goals and three assists, Chelsea lost to Brentford 0-3 and Tottenham 0-2. In those two matches, their expected-goals figures were just 0.86 and 0.43 respectively.
The situation is further complicated by Cole Palmer's suspension after he was sent off against Tottenham. Injured Reece James and Emiliano Martinez will also miss out. Another concern is Chelsea's defending from set pieces: the Londoners have already conceded eight such goals in the Premier League, despite scoring six of their own from set plays.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Liverpool have lost just one match this season, while in the previous round of the League Cup they beat Tottenham 3-1
- Fewer than four goals were scored in four of the last six meetings between Liverpool and Chelsea
- Chelsea thrashed Leeds 6-3 in the previous round, but have failed to score in their last two Premier League matches
Liverpool to capitalize on the visitors' crisis: Liverpool vs Chelsea prediction
Liverpool head into the clash in more stable shape, although the personnel changes could affect the quality of their performance. Iraola's side have learned how to deal with difficult situations and are composed once they take the lead. The win over Brighton has given the hosts an additional boost of confidence.
Without Pedro and Palmer, Chelsea lose a great deal of attacking creativity, while their problems defending set pieces create additional risks. Even with rotation taken into account, Liverpool look the stronger side thanks to their organization and ability to control the flow of the game. We expect the hosts to secure victory and keep a clean sheet.
