Liverpool vs Chelsea: Iraola and Alonso Face Crucial League Cup Test at Anfield

Liverpool will host Chelsea in the fourth round of the English League Cup on Thursday, October 29, as Andoni Iraola and Xabi Alonso prepare for their first major cup test against one another as managers. With both clubs looking to make progress in the competition, the encounter at Anfield offers an opportunity to build momentum and strengthen their hopes of securing silverware this season.

The two sides head into the match following contrasting results in the Premier League. Liverpool bounced back with a convincing 2-0 victory over Brighton, while Chelsea suffered a 2-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, who have recently shown signs of improvement under Roberto De Zerbi.

Those results provide an intriguing backdrop to their League Cup meeting. For both managers, this competition represents another opportunity to demonstrate their credentials, particularly if the battle for the Premier League title becomes increasingly difficult. Domestic cup success can provide a valuable addition to their managerial records while offering their teams a realistic chance of winning silverware.

Iraola vs Alonso: A New Chapter in Their Rivalry

Although Iraola and Alonso are preparing to meet as managers for the first time at Anfield, both have already experienced domestic cup success during their coaching careers.

Iraola won the Cypriot Super Cup during his time in charge of AEK Larnaca, while Alonso enjoyed a highly successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, winning the DFB-Pokal and the German Super Cup. Their previous achievements provide a foundation for their ambitions at Liverpool and Chelsea, where expectations remain high.

The encounter also carries a personal dimension. Alonso is remembered fondly by Liverpool supporters for his influential performances during his playing career at Anfield, and his return to the stadium as an opposing manager adds another layer of intrigue to the occasion.

The two coaches also share a connection through their Basque footballing backgrounds, having crossed paths during their younger years in San Sebastian. Their subsequent careers took different paths, with Iraola becoming closely associated with Athletic Bilbao and Alonso maintaining strong links with Real Sociedad.

Now, their contrasting footballing journeys have brought them together on opposite sides of one of English football’s most recognisable rivalries. Iraola will be eager to demonstrate his managerial qualities against a compatriot who already enjoys a strong reputation in European football.

Team News: Rotation Expected at Anfield

With another demanding weekend of Premier League action approaching, both managers could make changes to their starting lineups.

Liverpool are expected to give Lewis Koumas and James McConnell opportunities to impress, as Iraola considers rotating his squad ahead of the weekend’s clash with Arsenal. Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola are among the players who could be rested, according to the expected team selection.

Chelsea also face selection concerns, with several first-team players expected to be unavailable. Cole Palmer is among those set to miss the match after receiving a red card against Tottenham, leaving Alonso with decisions to make regarding his attacking options.

The possibility of rotation could make the contest difficult to predict. While both teams possess considerable squad depth, the ability of their alternative players to maintain the required intensity could prove decisive over the course of the match.

Head-to-Head: Liverpool vs Chelsea

Recent meetings between Liverpool and Chelsea have produced closely contested encounters, although the Blues have enjoyed the better results in several of their most recent Premier League clashes.

Chelsea won 2-1 at home in October 2025 and claimed a 3-1 victory in May 2025. Liverpool, however, have also demonstrated their ability to beat the London club, including a 2-1 home victory in October 2024 and a 1-0 win in the League Cup final in February 2024.

Last five meetings:

• 9 May 2026 – Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea | Premier League
• 4 October 2025 – Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool | Premier League
• 4 May 2025 – Chelsea 3-1 Liverpool | Premier League
• 20 October 2024 – Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea | Premier League
• 25 February 2024 – Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool | League Cup

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Araujo, Jacquet, Gomez, Kerkez; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Ngumoha, McConnell, Gakpo; Koumas.

Manager: Andoni Iraola

Chelsea (4-3-3): Penders; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Palestra; Caicedo, Lavia, Barco; Estevao, Welbeck, Rogers.

Manager: Xabi Alonso

Prediction

Liverpool will look to build on their victory over Brighton and use home advantage to take control of the contest. However, the prospect of squad rotation could affect their rhythm, particularly if several regular starters are given a rest ahead of the Arsenal fixture.

Chelsea, meanwhile, will be determined to respond after their disappointing defeat to Tottenham. Despite the potential absence of key players, Alonso’s side have the depth to pose a serious threat at Anfield, especially if they can exploit any uncertainty in Liverpool’s defensive organisation.

With both teams likely to make changes, the contest could be decided by the quality of their substitutes and their ability to capitalise on decisive moments. Chelsea appear capable of edging a closely fought encounter, although Liverpool should still have enough attacking threat to find the net.

Predicted score: Liverpool 1-2 Chelsea.