Predicted XI: Xabi Alonso set to hand new signings their first starts against Liverpool
Chelsea take on Liverpool at Anfield in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, trying to make it to the quarter-finals for the fourth time in six years.
Both sides enter this game with different levels of confidence after this weekend's Premier League results: Chelsea whimpered to a 2-0 defeat against Spurs at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, whereas Liverpool were impressive, keeping a high-flying, free-scoring Brighton to a 2-0 win with very little running.
Xabi Alonso currently has multiple players out through injury, leaving him with not much at his disposal, especially if he wants to rotate his lineup after what was a disappointing display against Roberto De Zerbi's side, but I will try my best to predict what the Spaniard is thinking.
GK - Mike Penders
Despite his underwhelming performance at the weekend, Alonso isn't expected to change around the goalkeeper, especially with Martinez still out injured.
CB - Wesley Fofana
Fofana’s return to the starting XI at Acheampong’s expense looks more like a rotation decision than a reflection of the youngster’s performances. Acheampong has started the last three games after replacing Fofana following the Brentford match, but this cup tie gives the Frenchman a chance to regain form and remind Alonso what he can bring to the defence.
CB - Maxence Lacroix
Even with the Frenchman's heavy workload to begin the season, there is currently no reason for Alonso to drop him if Lacroix himself is feeling 100 per cent, and could be in for a long night against Alexander Isak.
CB - Levi Colwill
Colwill himself could admit that Saturday wasn't his best performance in a Chelsea shirt, but still is Alonso's most reliable left-sided centre back, and his showings haven't been that bad for him to be dropped.
RWB - Marco Palestra
The Italian, yet to start for Chelsea, tomorrow gives him a perfect opportunity to get some minutes and give Pedro Neto a rest whilst maybe try force his way into Alonso's plans.
CM - Valentin Barco
In the short time that Barco has been at Chelsea, the Argentine has impressed, and with this game set to be a physical game in the midfield, Alonso could call upon him to put in a shift at Anfield.
CM - Romeo Lavia
Three games within 10 days could prove to be too much for Moises Caicedo, who is coming off the back of an injury and allows Lavia to stake a claim to be playing alongside the Ecuadorian on Saturday.
LWB - Jorrel Hato
If Pep Chavarria hasn't recovered from his injury, then Hato is likely to start on the left, even with the possible introduction of Marco Palestra who is adept to play on that side of the pitch.
AM - Estevao
With speculation around Estevao's future at Chelsea, Wednesday night could be a good chance for the Brazilian to show what he's capable of. More so, with the Blues without Cole Palmer through suspension, the ideal scenario would be good minutes, involvement in the attack and maybe even a goal.
AM - Morgan Rogers
Rogers was someone who was a fair way away from their best on Saturday and could have easily been sent off himself but will be available tomorrow and with Alonso possibly rotating or without his most prolific attackers, Rogers will have to be someone to step up if Chelsea are gonna go through.
ST - Emanuel Emegha
With Joao Pedro set to be out for a month, and Danny Welbeck not seemingly in Xabi Alonso's good books, Emegha looks set for his first minutes in a Chelsea shirt, with Alonso confirming that the striker will be part of the squad on Wednesday.
