Chelsea travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool in an all-Premier League encounter in the fourth round of the 2026/27 Carabao Cup, with both sides aiming to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
The tie presents another significant test for Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea, who will be looking to respond positively after their recent defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. The Blues must now turn their attention to cup football and prepare for a difficult away assignment against one of English football’s most successful clubs.
Chelsea’s Record Against Liverpool
The upcoming encounter will be the 11th time Chelsea and Liverpool have met in the League Cup. Only Tottenham Hotspur have faced the Blues more frequently in the competition.
Interestingly, this will be their first League Cup meeting in the fourth round. Previous encounters have taken place across the second and third rounds, quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals, making this a new chapter in their long-running cup rivalry.
Chelsea have enjoyed encouraging results against Liverpool in recent meetings, going unbeaten in their last three encounters before this fixture. The Blues recorded a 2-1 home victory and a 1-1 draw at Anfield during the previous Premier League campaign.
Their recent cup record at Anfield also offers some encouragement. Chelsea have avoided defeat in their last four cup visits to Liverpool in the League Cup and Champions League, although their most recent away victory against the Reds came in the Premier League in March 2021, when they secured a narrow 1-0 win.
Across all competitions, the two clubs have met 200 times. Liverpool hold the advantage with 83 victories, compared with Chelsea’s 67 wins, while the remaining 50 matches have ended in draws.
Chelsea Target Another Quarter-Final Appearance
Chelsea have won the League Cup five times, making them the most successful club from London in the competition. Their triumphs include the 1965 final against Leicester City and their 2015 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
The Blues are now targeting a place in the quarter-finals for the sixth time in the last 11 seasons. They reached the semi-finals last season, demonstrating their ability to progress deep into the competition.
However, Liverpool represent a formidable obstacle. Chelsea’s most recent fourth-round elimination came against Newcastle United in the 2024/25 campaign, when they suffered a 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park.
Another concern for the west London side is their record against Premier League opposition in the competition, with all of their last 16 League Cup exits coming against top-flight teams.
Nevertheless, Chelsea will hope their attacking options can make the difference. João Pedro leads the club’s reported goalscoring chart for the 2026/27 season with five goals, while Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers have each contributed four. Palmer’s absence through suspension, however, leaves Alonso with an important selection decision to make.
Malo Gusto Approaches Chelsea Milestone
Malo Gusto could reach a significant personal milestone if he is selected to start against Liverpool.
The French defender is in line to make his 100th start for Chelsea, marking another achievement in his time at Stamford Bridge. His availability would provide Alonso with an additional option as Chelsea look to negotiate a demanding away fixture.
Cole Palmer, meanwhile, will miss the match after receiving a one-match suspension following his dismissal against Tottenham. His absence is a notable setback for Chelsea, particularly given his creative influence and contribution to the team's attacking play.
Liverpool Enter the Tie in Strong Form
Liverpool will be determined to avoid another early League Cup exit after losing 3-0 at home to Crystal Palace in the fourth round last season.
The Reds have a remarkable history in the competition, having lifted the trophy 10 times — more than any other club. Their most recent triumph came in the 2023/24 season, when they defeated Chelsea 1-0 after extra time in the final.
Liverpool secured their place in this season’s fourth round with a 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai helped them overcome their London opponents at Anfield.
Their recent results have also been encouraging. After suffering a defeat against Manchester City, Liverpool responded with four consecutive victories across competitions, scoring freely during that run.
They will therefore approach the Chelsea clash with confidence, particularly on home soil. Liverpool have also demonstrated considerable attacking threat at Anfield, with Gakpo boasting an impressive record of scoring in each of his six League Cup appearances at the stadium.
Anfield Challenge Awaits the Blues
Liverpool’s home advantage will be a major factor, but Chelsea have reasons to believe they can compete. Their recent head-to-head results suggest the gap between the sides can be narrow, and a strong performance could put the visitors in contention for a place in the last eight.
For Alonso, the match offers an opportunity to see how his squad responds to adversity while competing for silverware. With Palmer unavailable and the pressure of playing at Anfield, Chelsea will need discipline, defensive organisation and clinical finishing.
The Blues know that progressing will require a determined performance against a Liverpool side with an outstanding League Cup pedigree.
Chelsea’s mission is clear: put the Tottenham disappointment behind them, deliver a strong performance on Merseyside and keep their Carabao Cup ambitions alive.