Liverpool vs Chelsea prediction, probable lineups, odds and bet builder tips for Wednesday's English League Cup clash at Anfield, plus team news.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Match Summary
Competition | English League Cup |
|---|---|
Match Date | Wednesday 28 October 2026 |
Match Time | 20:00 UK time |
Venue (City, Stadium) | Liverpool, Anfield |
Broadcast (TV / Streaming / Radio / Bookmaker Streaming) | ITV 1, ITV Interactive, Sky Sports Main Event |
Liverpool vs Chelsea at Anfield is a League Cup tie with real edge, not least because former Liverpool player Xabi Alonso returns in the Chelsea dugout.
Liverpool vs Chelsea betting odds make Andoni Iraola's hosts 5/4 favourites with Bet365. Four straight wins explain why, and the momentum sits firmly at Anfield despite a lengthy injury list.
Chelsea have struggled for consistency under Alonso, and losing Cole Palmer to suspension and Joao Pedro to injury strips a lot of quality out of their final third.
Anfield has been a tough place for the visitors. Liverpool are undefeated in their last 5 home matches against Chelsea in all competitions.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Form
Liverpool's winning run has brought 11 goals, so firepower is not the issue. Their last League Cup outing underlined the depth too, a 3-1 win over Tottenham with a much-changed side. Alexander Isak is the focal point and arrives in form, which matters with Hugo Ekitike and Dominik Szoboszlai sidelined.
Chelsea have blown hot and cold, but there are goals in this side. They beat Leeds 6-3 in their last League Cup tie, with Danny Welbeck on the scoresheet. Set pieces cut both ways, though: they have scored and conceded six apiece from dead balls in the Premier League this season.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Lineups & Team News
Injuries & Suspensions
Liverpool: Conor Bradley (Injured/out), Jeremie Frimpong (Injured/out), Giovanni Leoni (Injured/out), Dominik Szoboszlai (Injured/out), Hugo Ekitiké (Injured/out), Victor Muñoz (Injured/doubtful), Florian Wirtz (Injured/doubtful)
Chelsea: Joao Pedro (Injured/out), Emiliano Martínez (Injured/out), Reece James (Injured/out), Jamie Gittens (Injured/out), Emmanuel Emegha (Injured/out), Pep Chavarría (Injured/doubtful), Cole Palmer (Suspended)
Liverpool
Florian Wirtz faces a late fitness test after a knock against Brighton, and Iraola could rest him regardless. Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to replace Alisson Becker in goal, while Alexander Isak is in line to keep his place up front in the probable Liverpool vs Chelsea lineups.
Chelsea
Alonso is set to make several changes. Mike Penders keeps the gloves following Emiliano Martinez's injury, Danny Welbeck could lead the attack, and Marco Palestra is among those pushing for a start in the probable XI.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Predicted Lineup
Liverpool
Formation: 4-2-3-1 (probable)
Predicted Starting Lineup: Mamardashvili; Araujo, Jacquet, van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Barcola, Nyoni, Ngumoha; Isak
Chelsea
Formation: 3-4-2-1 (probable)
Predicted Starting Lineup: Penders; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Palestra, Lavia, Barco, Hato; Estêvão, Rogers; Welbeck
Check out all the latest oddschecker Free Bets & Sign-Up Offers for Liverpool vs Chelsea.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Prediction & Best Bets
Our prediction: Liverpool to win 2-1. Iraola's side have the momentum and home advantage, and a Chelsea team this short of key men will struggle to keep them quiet, even if the visitors carry enough going forward to make a game of it. Chelsea at 2/1 with Betfred holds little appeal.
Best Bets
Liverpool -0.5 on the Asian Handicap, backing the Anfield hosts to win the tie in 90 minutes. Strip the handicap back and this is simply Liverpool to win in normal time, at a price that steers clear of a short odds-on. The hosts are the market favourites, and their attack has more weapons than a Chelsea side shuffling its pack.
Over 2.5 goals in the Total Goals Over/Under market. Our 2-1 call lands this one, and both goalkeepers are stand-ins, with Giorgi Mamardashvili in for Liverpool and Mike Penders between the sticks for Chelsea. Two rotated sides with attacking intent rarely makes for a stubborn, low-scoring night.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Bet Builder
Our Liverpool vs Chelsea bet builder tips combine a home win, Alexander Isak to score anytime, both teams to score and Wesley Fofana to be shown a card.
Liverpool's home record in this fixture is the platform. They are undefeated in their last 5 home matches against Chelsea in all competitions, and this depleted Chelsea side offers little sign of ending that.
Alexander Isak has six Premier League goals this season. He managed that in only seven appearances, and he leads the line against a reshuffled Chelsea defence.
Chelsea put six past Leeds in their last League Cup tie, so even without Palmer they carry a threat. Liverpool, meanwhile, are rarely failing to score at the moment.
Fofana is in line to start in Chelsea's back three, and with Isak and Bradley Barcola to handle, a mistimed challenge on a busy night would be no surprise.
At the time of writing, this bet builder pays a best price of 12/1 and is as short as 21/2 elsewhere.
Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builder with Oddschecker's Exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.
Bet builder odds correct at time of publishing.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Talking Points
No VAR and no extra time make this a different beast. Under the competition's regulations, a draw after 90 minutes goes straight to a penalty shootout, which is exactly why we prefer backing Liverpool in normal time. It also hands a stage to youngsters Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni, both in the probable XI on a night when Iraola is managing his squad.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Predictions FAQs
When is Liverpool vs Chelsea kicking off?
Liverpool vs Chelsea kicks off at 20:00 UK time on Wednesday 28 October 2026.
Where is Liverpool vs Chelsea being played?
Liverpool vs Chelsea is being played at Anfield in Liverpool.
Where can I watch Liverpool vs Chelsea?
In the UK, Liverpool vs Chelsea is listed on ITV 1, ITV Interactive and Sky Sports Main Event.
What competition is Liverpool vs Chelsea in?
Liverpool vs Chelsea is a League Cup match in the 2026/2027 season.
Disclaimer
Important information: This article may contain links to betting offers or promotions for Liverpool vs Chelsea that were available at the time of publication. These offers may have since expired, changed, or no longer be available.
Oddschecker offers are selected from operators that our football experts work with regularly and have first-hand experience of. If you open an account via one of these links, Oddschecker may earn commission. This helps support our coverage and allows us to continue producing expert analysis and football content across English League Cup.
Please gamble responsibly. 18+.
