Liverpool have made seven changes to their starting line-up for tonight’s Carabao Cup fourth-round meeting with Chelsea at Anfield, with James McConnell, Rio Ngumoha and Lewis Koumas all selected.
Andoni Iraola has rotated his side after Sunday’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Brighton, but captain Virgil van Dijk retains his place in defence as Liverpool look to secure a quarter-final place.
The changes come after Iraola confirmed that rotation would be necessary during a demanding run of fixtures. As he explained in Liverpool FC’s official pre-match team news, the demands of playing every three days mean changes are unavoidable.
Giorgi Mamardashvili replaces Alisson in goal, with Ronald Araújo, Joe Gomez, Van Dijk and Kostas Tsimikas forming the back four.
Ryan Gravenberch partners Trey Nyoni in midfield, while McConnell is handed an opportunity in a more advanced position.
Ngumoha starts on the right of the attack, Cody Gakpo operates from the left and Koumas leads the line.
Liverpool confirmed starting XI vs Chelsea
Liverpool: Mamardashvili; Araújo, Gomez, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Nyoni; Ngumoha, McConnell, Gakpo; Koumas.
Substitutes: Alisson, Jacquet, Chambers, Endo, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Barcola, Chiesa, Isak.
McConnell gets his chance as Iraola rotates
McConnell’s inclusion is one of the more interesting decisions. With Nyoni alongside Gravenberch in central midfield, the youngster has an opportunity to contribute further forward against Premier League opposition.
Ngumoha and Koumas also have a chance to make their case for more regular involvement. Both will want to take advantage of a rare starting opportunity in front of the Anfield crowd.
There is experience throughout the side, however. Van Dijk provides leadership at the back, Gravenberch offers stability in midfield and Gakpo brings an established attacking presence.
Florian Wirtz returns to the matchday squad after suffering a knock against Brighton, while Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola provide further attacking options from the bench.
Milos Kerkez is absent from the squad, with Luke Chambers named among the substitutes.
The selection also reflects the decisions facing Iraola ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal. As the Evening Standard reported in its pre-match assessment, injuries have restricted Liverpool’s options in several positions, particularly at right-back.
Chelsea arrive without Palmer
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield looking for a response to Saturday’s 2-0 defeat against Tottenham.
The visitors are without Cole Palmer, who is suspended following his dismissal against Spurs, while Joao Pedro is unavailable through injury.
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson returns to Anfield as part of Chelsea’s starting line-up, adding another talking point to an already intriguing cup tie.
For Liverpool, the balance between rotation and experience will be tested against opponents who also have a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
Kick-off time and TV coverage
Competition: Carabao Cup fourth round
Venue: Anfield
Date: Wednesday 28 October 2026
Kick-off: 8pm GMT
UK television: ITV1 and Sky Sports Main Event
Streaming: ITVX and Sky Go for eligible viewers.
The match offers Liverpool another opportunity to continue their winning run, but it also gives Iraola a useful test of the younger players competing for more regular first-team football.
McConnell’s role could be particularly revealing. With Wirtz among the substitutes, he has an opportunity to demonstrate that he can offer Liverpool another option in attacking midfield as the season progresses.
