2026-2027 Carabao Cup: Liverpool vs. Chelsea, Probable Lineups

Anfield will host the match between Liverpool and Chelsea, scheduled for tonight at 9 p.m. Italian time. At stake is a spot in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals, with both teams having advanced from the previous round with a flurry of goals: the Reds defeated Tottenham 3-1, while the Blues prevailed over Leeds in a thrilling 6-3 victory. Liverpool is coming off a 2-0 victory over Brighton in the Premier League, while Chelsea is coming off a 2-0 loss in the derby against De Zerbi’s Tottenham.

Liverpool is expected to field a reshuffled lineup ahead of its upcoming matches. Mamardashvili is expected to start in goal, while Araujo and Gomez could see action in defense, with Jacquet and Kerkez rounding out the backline. In midfield, Mac Allister could be paired with the young Nyoni, while up front, all eyes are on Ngumoha, with Koumas a likely candidate to lead the attack. Bradley, Ekitike, Frimpong, Leoni, and Szoboszlai remain sidelined, while Wirtz is questionable.

Chelsea is also expected to rotate its lineup. Cole Palmer is suspended, while Joao Pedro will be unavailable due to injury. Penders is expected to start in goal, with Acheampong, Colwill, and Fofana likely to form the three-man backline. Gusto and Palestra could play on the wings, while Lavia and Caicedo are the favorites in midfield. Up front, Rogers and Estevao are expected to play behind Welbeck, who is among the possible starters.

Probable lineups

LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Araujo, Jacquet, Gomez, Kerkez; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Ngumoha, McConnell, Gakpo; Koumas. Head Coach: Andoni Iraola.

CHELSEA (3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Colwill, Fofana; Gusto, Lavia, Caicedo, Palestra; Rogers, Estevao; Welbeck. Head Coach: Xabi Alonso.