Andoni Iraola hinted that there would be a major lineup shuffle ahead of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup match with Chelsea. Therefore, don’t be surprised to see 8 or even 9 new faces when the Reds take to the pitch on October 28th. Liverpool will release the official lineup approximately 75 minutes before kickoff, 18:45 GMT.
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Jump to your XI in this articleOur predicted Liverpool starting XI vs Chelsea
Even with wholesale changes in personnel, I expect Iraola to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation that has worked so well this season. Familiar faces like Alexis Mac Allister and Rio Ngumoha will be there as well but I expect players like Luke Chambers and James McConnell to get their first meaningful minutes of the season.
Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Giorgi Mamardashvili, Ronald Araújo, Joe Gomez, Luke Chambers, Konstantinos Tsimikas, Alexis Mac Allister, Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha, James McConnell, Federico Chiesa, Lewis Koumas.
Liverpool bench: Alexander Isak, Alisson, Bradley Barcola, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Freddie Woodman, Harvey Davies, Jayden Danns, Jérémy Jacquet, Joshua Sonni-Lambie, Michael Laffey, Milos Kerkez, Ryan Gravenberch, Virgil van Dijk, Wellity Lucky.
Key selection calls: Defence, midfield and attack
Admittedly, it would be a risk to put youngster Luke Chambers on the backline, but having him surrounded by veterans Kostas Tsimikas and Joe Gomez should calm any nerves. Iraola has shown more and more trust in Trey Nyoni in recent days, so him starting makes sense. Normally, Alexis Mac Allister would not start at DM in this type of match, but an injury to Dominik Szoboszlai necessitates the decision.
Federico Chiesa was available for selection in the last match but did not play, likely saving his legs for this one. James McConnell has had limited minutes this season so this is the perfect chance for him to get some experience tucking in behind Lewis Koumas up top while Rio Ngumoha does his thing on the right wing.
Selection dilemmas and game-changers off the bench
This is not the strongest lineup Iraola can send out to the pitch, but with a huge match with Arsenal on the weekend, he has little choice. The good news is, Florian Wirtz is healthy and could have a big impact off of the bench in an attacking role if Liverpool need a second half goal. If the game is tied late, you will likely see Iraola put experienced players on the field in case penalties are needed to advance.
LFC Globe Verdict and pick your starting XI
I think that even though this lineup is filled with players who normally come off of the bench, it will be more than competitive. It also allows Iraola flexibility to bring the household names off the bench if he needs to. I’m particularly excited to see Chiesa get his first action of the year. He provides much-needed depth to the squad.
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