Chelsea have confirmed their starting line-up for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fourth-round encounter against Liverpool at Anfield, with manager Xabi Alonso making four changes as the Blues seek a response to their recent Premier League disappointment.
Goalkeeper Mike Penders retains his place, while Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Wesley Fofana and Malo Gusto form the defensive unit. Gusto’s selection also marks his 100th start for Chelsea.
Moisés Caicedo captains the side and is joined in midfield by Roméo Lavia and Jordan Henderson. In attack, Pedro Neto and Morgan Rogers provide support for Danny Welbeck, who has been selected to lead the forward line.
The line-up reflects Alonso’s decision to rotate his squad while maintaining a competitive side for the cup tie. Chelsea will be looking to improve on their recent 2-0 Premier League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur and avoid an early exit from the competition.
Confirmed Chelsea Starting XI.
Chelsea: Mike Penders; Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto; Moisés Caicedo (captain), Roméo Lavia, Jordan Henderson; Pedro Neto, Danny Welbeck, Morgan Rogers.
Substitutes: Teddy Sharman-Lowe, Marco Palestra, Levi Colwill, Olutayo Subuloye, Valentín Barco, Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, Estêvão, Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha.
Liverpool Also Make Major Changes.
Liverpool have also reshuffled their starting team for the cup tie, making seven changes from the side that defeated Brighton in the Premier League.
Giorgi Mamardashvili starts in goal, with Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Ronald Araújo and Kostas Tsimikas included in the defensive line. Ryan Gravenberch and Trey Nyoni feature in midfield, while Cody Gakpo, James McConnell, Lewis Koumas and Rio Ngumoha complete the starting eleven.
Liverpool’s substitutes include Alisson Becker, Wataru Endo, Jérémy Jacquet, Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Alexis Mac Allister, Federico Chiesa, Bradley Barcola and Luke Chambers.
Chelsea Face a Crucial Cup Test.
The match offers Chelsea an opportunity to move beyond their league setback and demonstrate their strength in a knockout competition. Liverpool, meanwhile, will hope their home advantage and squad depth can help them progress.
With both teams making significant changes, the contest at Anfield presents an important test for the players selected to step into the starting line-ups. Chelsea will need discipline at the back and efficiency in front of goal if they are to overcome Liverpool and secure a place in the next round.
