Carabao Cup: Liverpool VS Chelsea - Prediction

Liverpool will welcome Chelsea to Anfield on Wednesday night in one of the biggest matches of the EFL Cup fourth round. Both Premier League giants will be fighting for a place in the quarter-finals, but they enter the match in very different situations. Liverpool have found their rhythm under manager Andoni Iraola and will be looking to extend their four-match winning streak. They have recovered impressively from their 3-0 defeat against Manchester City earlier this month. Since that setback, the Reds have recorded four consecutive victories across domestic and European competitions.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are struggling for consistency under Xabi Alonso and desperately need a positive result after their disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. The result was particularly disappointing because the Blues failed to produce the attacking quality needed to challenge their London rivals. Cole Palmer's dismissal added to their problems and left Alonso with another selection headache ahead of the Liverpool match.

Stats & Facts

• Liverpool have won four consecutive matches in all competitions heading into Wednesday's game.
• Liverpool have lost only once in 12 matches this season, recording eight wins and three draws.
• Chelsea are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Liverpool, winning twice and drawing once.
• Liverpool have won the last two EFL Cup finals against Chelsea, in 2022 and 2024.
• Cody Gakpo has scored seven goals in six League Cup appearances at Anfield, finding the net in every one of those matches.
• Chelsea are unbeaten in their last four cup matches at Anfield, recording two wins and two draws across the EFL Cup and Champions League.

Team News

Iraola is likely to give Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, Bradley Barcola. and Florian Wirtz a rest tomorrow. Liverpool will also miss the service of Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Giovanni Leoni due to their respective injuries.

As for Chelsea, Cole Palmer was sent off during the match against Tottenham Hotspur, and he will miss tomorrow's clash at Carabao Cup due to this suspension. Reece James and Emiliano Martinez are out of the team due to their injuries, while Joao Pedro will be assessed before the game.

Possible Lineup for Liverpool:

Mamardashvili; Araujo, Jacquet, Gomez, Kerkez; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Ngumoha, McConnell, Gakpo; Koumas

Possible Lineup for Chelsea:

Penders; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Palestra; Caicedo, Lavia, Barco; Estevao, Welbeck, Rogers

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Liverpool appear to have the advantage heading into this game. Their recent performances have been encouraging, and playing at Anfield should provide additional confidence. Chelsea certainly have the attacking talent to trouble Liverpool, particularly if the hosts make several changes to their starting lineup. However, their defensive inconsistency and the absence of Palmer could make the difference.

Betfair Odds

Liverpool: 1.90

Draw: 3.85

Chelsea: 3.50

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