LIVERPOOL welcome former hero Xabi Alonso and his wounded Chelsea side to Anfield on Wednesday in a tasty Carabao Cup fourth round tie.

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Liverpool vs Chelsea preview

It’s not a ridiculous statement to suggest up until very recently that Chelsea looked to have had a much stronger start to the season than Liverpool.

Fast forward to this cup tie and it’s Liverpool you’d have to say that look in a stronger position at the moment than their London opponents.

It’s taken time for Andoni Iraola to get his message across at Anfield but four wins on the spin shows it’s starting to click and the 2-0 win over an in-form Brighton at the weekend highlights that.

They’ve won six of their last seven games, with just that home defeat to Man City in that run and they leapfrogged the Blues over the weekend to jump into fourth place.

It’s also true they’ve had a far more hectic schedule than Chelsea and changes are expected to the side ahead of this one, particularly with Arsenal coming to town at the weekend.

But Xabi Alonso has decisions to make himself after Saturday’s dreadful performance at home to Spurs.

The North London side battered their hosts and were unlucky not to win by more than the 2-0 score line, with Cole Palmer’s deserved red card ruling him out of this one through suspension.

Cup runs and trophies are a massive thing for these two managers new in at their roles and progression to the quarter finals will undoubtedly mean a great deal to both.

Liverpool vs Chelsea odds

  • Liverpool to win 5/4 with Betfred

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Home comfort

The Reds are on a good run of form and can make home advantage count to progress through this one, with Chelsea winning here just once in eight years.

Chelsea are far better than they showed at the weekend – they couldn’t have been any worse mind you – but without Cole Palmer, their attacking threat is greatly diminished.

Even with changes expected, Iraola is beginning to get a tune out his multiple £100m+ stars.

  • Liverpool to win and BTTS at 13/5 with William Hill

First goalscorer and correct score prediction

Liverpool vs Chelsea

  • Correct score: 2-1 at 17/2 with Betfred

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