Comprehensive match preview of Liverpool vs Chelsea in the EFL Cup as Andoni Iraola's side looks to be finding its feet at Anfield. Can an out-of-sorts Chelsea spring a surprise?
Chelsea will be without Cole Palmer when they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Wednesday following his dismissal against Tottenham. Xabi Alonso has been handed a major selection headache after Palmer received two yellow cards in their 2-0 Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge, though domestic competition rules mean he will only serve a one-match ban.
Cole Palmer has rediscovered his spark at Chelsea, with Blues legend Gus Poyet explaining to GOAL why the “happy” Stamford Bridge star can go on to scale the same heights as Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard. Palmer appeared destined to tread that path after moving to west London, but endured a testing 2025-26 campaign that saw exit talk generated.
Chelsea are - in Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro - considered to boast the Premier League’s best front three, so how do the Blues become genuine top-flight title contenders? Former Blues star Pat Nevin has answered that question for GOAL, with Moises Caicedo considered to have a key role to play in trophy tilts at Stamford Bridge.
Jordan Henderson enjoyed a brilliant Chelsea home debut at Stamford Bridge, inspiring a 5-1 victory over Bournemouth. The veteran midfielder opened the scoring early before persuading his younger teammates to hand over set-piece duties, which he capped off with a stunning second-half free-kick that left the crowd in awe.
Chelsea have officially secured the long-term future of their talisman Cole Palmer after the England international put pen to paper on a staggering new contract extension. The deal reflects his meteoric rise since arriving in west London and cements his status as the cornerstone of the club's ambitious project.
Xabi Alonso has robustly defended Cole Palmer after England manager Thomas Tuchel suggested the playmaker misses too many international matches. The Chelsea boss insisted Palmer remains fully committed to representing his country whenever fit.
Chelsea have been handed a significant boost ahead of their Premier League meeting with Bournemouth, as Cole Palmer is expected to be available for selection. The 24-year-old playmaker has been managing a minor muscular issue that saw him pull out of England duty, but he is now reportedly 'confident' of returning to Xabi Alonso’s starting XI.
