Chelsea travel to Anfield on Wednesday, 28 October, for the Carabao Cup fourth round, seeking a response after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham. Xabi Alonso‘s side have 13 points from eight Premier League matches, with 17 goals scored and 15 conceded. The stats show attacking promise, but Spurs exposed Chelsea’s problems in midfield. Alonso must also keep Saturday’s Manchester United fixture in mind.
Palmer will miss out after his sending-off against Spurs, while Reece James and Emiliano Martínez remain injured. João Pedro, Pep Chavarría, Emmanuel Emegha and Jamie Gittens face fitness checks. Penders and Quenda featured against Tottenham, with João Pedro missing through injury. The Brazilian has five goals this season, so his availability would matter if he recovers in time.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Liverpool
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Mike Penders; Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill, Jorrel Hato; Moisés Caicedo, Jordan Henderson; Pedro Neto, Estêvão Willian, Geovany Quenda; Morgan Rogers.
Penders should keep his place after starting against Tottenham, with Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill and Hato offering continuity across the defence. James’s long-term knee injury limits Alonso’s right-back options, while Chavarría’s knock creates uncertainty on the other flank.
Caicedo and Henderson could retain their midfield partnership, protecting the defence while moving the ball forward. Palmer’s suspension opens the creative role, and Estêvão could move inside after coming off the bench against Spurs. Neto and Quenda offer width, while Rogers may continue through the middle after starting as Chelsea’s centre-forward at the weekend.
Can Chelsea threaten Liverpool without Palmer?
Chelsea need quick support around Rogers if Palmer’s passing and shooting are missing. Estêvão brings close control, while Neto can drive into space and Quenda can stretch the opposite flank. Caicedo’s positioning will matter because Liverpool can punish loose possession through the centre. Alonso could instead start João Pedro up front and move Rogers wide if the Brazilian passes his late fitness test. The final choice will depend on fitness checks and how much rotation Alonso wants.
