Liverpool host Chelsea in the Carabao Cup fourth round as Blues manager Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield where he enjoyed plenty of success as a player.
The former Liverpool midfielder will be in the away dugout this evening as his Chelsea team look to inflict defeat on his former side and advance into the quarter-finals of the league cup.
Chelsea flew past Leeds in the previous round with a 6-3 victory at Stamford Bridge but the Blues come into the game on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Premier League where they now trail Liverpool by two points.
For Liverpool, new manager Andoni Iraola looks to have gotten his team into good form following four consecutive victories across all competitions and the Reds will bring confidence into the contest after defeating Premier League high-flyers Brighton on Sunday.
Alonso’s isn’t the only homecoming to happen tonight as former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson makes his return to Anfield and could likely start in Chelsea’s midfield.
Follow all the action from the Carabao Cup with our live blog below:
12 mins: Lewis Koumas slips a lovely pass into the right side of the box for Cody Gakpo.
He’s beaten to it by Maxence Lacroix who looks to run the ball clear but it clattered by a pressing Koumas.
The Anfield faithful enjoy the tackle but it does earn the youngster a yellow card.
Mike Jones28 October 2026 20:12
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
9 mins: Neto fouls Rio Ngumoha and gives Liverpool a free kick over on the left side of the pitch, inside Chelsea’s final third.
Kostas Tsimikas stands over the ball and crosses it into the box. Chelsea win the header and nod the ball away from the danger zone.
Mike Jones28 October 2026 20:10
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
6 mins: The first shot of the night comes to Danny Welbeck though it isn’t a great one.
Pedro Neto attempts to weave his way into the area before releasing to Welbeck who turns a soft effort into the arms of Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Mike Jones28 October 2026 20:06
Henderson as a 10?
Remarkably, it sems as though Jordan Henderson is playing as a No 10 for Chelsea - a role he may not have occupied since his Sunderland days.
“Meanwhile, Liverpool's No 10 is also a defensive midfielder, in James McConnell.”
Richard Jolly at Anfield28 October 2026 20:04
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
3 mins: Chelsea defend well as Liverpool attempt to find a way into the box.
No joy for the hosts and the ball goes out for a Chelsea throw in.
Mike Jones28 October 2026 20:04
Kick off! Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Liverpool get the ball rolling at Anfield and fire a long ball over to the right side of the pitch.
The Reds put a bit of pressure on the Chelsea defence and fizz the ball around slickly.
Chelsea’s shape is solid though and they force a retreat.
Mike Jones28 October 2026 20:01
One of the subplots
One of the subplots of tonight is that Chelsea start with Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, two of Liverpool's targets in the summer of 2023 - when they sold Jordan Henderson to Al-Ettifaq.
“Instead of replacing him, three years later they are alongside him.”
Richard Jolly at Anfield28 October 2026 19:57
Liverpool vs Chelsea
Alright, it’s almost time for kick off.
The players will head out onto the pitch shortly and the match will begin at 8pm.
Four other Carabao Cup fourth round ties are already underway and the draw for the quarter-final stage will take place at the conclusion of this match.
But first, Liverpool host Chelsea in the Carabao Cup and kick off is up next...
Mike Jones28 October 2026 19:54
A good omen for Chelsea?
Of their last 12 ties played in this competition, Liverpool are facing opposition from London for the eighth time.
Their last three Anfield defeats in the League Cup have all been inflicted by London teams – Chelsea (2018-19), Arsenal on penalties (2020-21) and Crystal Palace (2025-26).
Mike Jones28 October 2026 19:48
No joy for Alonso
Xabi Alonso takes charge of a team at Anfield for the third time tonight.
He lost 4-0 with Bayer Leverkusen in November 2024 and, almost a year to the day later, his Real Madrid side were beaten 1-0.
Can he end that losing run tonight?
Mike Jones28 October 2026 19:42
