Liverpool FC vs Chelsea FC Carabao Cup Preview

Liverpool welcome Chelsea to Anfield tonight for what will be the first of two fixtures against the early season title challengers in the space of five days. This time, it’s the Third Round of the Carabao Cup.

Overview

Liverpool will be fairly confident for this fixture. The Merseyside club have recorded six wins from six games in the Barclays Premier League. Following Chelsea’s draw away at West Ham on Sunday, tonight’s hosts now boast the only 100% record so far this season.

The Reds also have a chance to extend their unbeaten Anfield run to 25 games following their dismantling of Southampton at the weekend. One would suspect there remains plenty in the tank after such an easy result.

Chelsea, on the other hand, will be intent on sending a signal to their hosts reminding them that they will have a fight on their hands if they have any serious intentions of silverware this season.

Manager Maurizio Sarri claims his side are “a step behind their hosts”. Which, on first hearing ,one would see as an attempt to manage expectations before this game. However, I’m not so sure.

I wouldn’t be surprised if this was a first attempt at playing some mind games. His intention could well be to lead Liverpool into a false sense of security. Fair enough he’s correct in pointing out to the BBC that he hasn’t had his team too long but in reality, they haven’t done too badly and haven’t lost yet.

Line Ups

It’s likely both teams will make changes with one eye on Sundays league game. Well, I hope so because it transpires that Simon Mignolet will get his chance for a first chance this season. This means Alisson Becker will be rested.

Klopp confirms Simon Mignolet will start against @ChelseaFC tomorrow.#LIVCHE https://t.co/U8NjLMbIf9

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 25, 2018

I’d also expect Xherdan Shaqiri to start along side Naby Keita in the midfield. To be honest, the former, was arguably Liverpool’s best player at the weekend. Despite being taken off at halftime.

Summer signing Fabinho has been on the bench for the last few matches and it’d be interesting to see if he finally gets a competitive start in a Red shirt.

I’d expect Chelsea to play as strong a team as possible, given the comments of their new manager. The likes of Eden Hazard will likely start as well as the likes of Willian, to add some experience to youngsters such as Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ethan Ampadu who could start. Signs that the Blues will actually start using some of the seemingly 800 young players within their ranks.

Head to Head

Liverpool have faced Chelsea six times before today in the League Cup. The Reds have failed to win at Stamford Bridge – losing three games there. However, this game will be played at Anfield where the hosts have never lost. Winning two and drawing one of the last three matches.

In view of the histrionics and the current excellent form of Jürgen Klopp’s team, I’d say the omens are on their side. Given the fact however, that these will not be the first eleven of either side, and that Simon Mignolet is in goal for Liverpool, I’d say anything can happen.

Prediction

I don’t do predictions, but as a suggestion, I’d say Liverpool should win by a narrow victory. 1-0 after a second half goal wouldn’t surprise me.

Let’s see what gives. I think this’ll be a close one seeing as this is largely a reserve team team game. The Chelsea manager has been very cautious so I think this will show in his team selection and play. Seeing as Liverpool – at this point in time have the stronger squad, plus momentum, in quietly positive.

Follow us:

On Twitter: @TheLFCFile

On Facebook: @thelfcfile