Liverpool Round-Up, Wednesday 28th October: Alonso and Henderson Return to Anfield as Chelsea Visit for Carabao Cup Fourth Round
It's a huge night at Anfield as Liverpool host Chelsea in the Carabao Cup fourth round, with the draw for the quarter-finals to follow the game and Everton also waiting to discover their potential opponents (Liverpool.com) (Liverpool Echo) (Liverpool Echo). There's plenty of build-up colour too, with live text coverage running across several outlets and all the usual TV, stream and kick-off details on offer for anyone looking to watch (Sky Sports) (Liverpool Echo) (This Is Anfield) (LiverpoolFC.com) (The Guardian) (This Is Anfield).
The game has extra spice given the opposition dugout: Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield as Chelsea boss, and the former Reds midfielder has been reflecting on his decision to take the Chelsea job as well as making a fresh vow regarding his old club (Liverpool.com) (Liverpool Echo). Alonso also credited Florian Wirtz as one of the main reasons behind his move to Stamford Bridge (This Is Anfield). Jordan Henderson was also back at Anfield as part of the Chelsea set-up, and Liverpool fans made their feelings known about his switch to Chelsea upon his return (Liverpool.com). Elsewhere, a Liverpool icon didn't hold back in criticising a former team-mate's move to Chelsea, branding it "unacceptable" (Liverpool Echo), while Jamie Carragher gave his verdict on a Chelsea player who he felt "doesn't look comfortable" ahead of the tie (Liverpool.com).
On team news, Andoni Iraola made wholesale changes for the cup clash, with Rio Ngumoha and Joe Gomez both handed starts and James McConnell given a rare opportunity in midfield among seven changes in total (Liverpool Echo) (Liverpool.com) (LiverpoolFC.com) (This Is Anfield). Florian Wirtz was named in the 21-man squad to face Chelsea (This Is Anfield). In his matchday programme notes, Iraola reflected on how "winning leaves you wanting more", while Virgil van Dijk urged his side to stay focused and embrace the challenges coming up (LiverpoolFC.com) (LiverpoolFC.com). Iraola also spoke warmly about how Liverpool supporters "respond to" three non-negotiables he holds dear (This Is Anfield).
Looking further ahead, Liverpool will also take on Arsenal this weekend, and there's a flurry of team news from the Emirates camp. Mikel Arteta has been left with three new injury concerns following a Bukayo Saka setback, adding to an already lengthy list of doubts and absentees for the trip to Anfield (This Is Anfield) (Liverpool Echo) (Liverpool.com). There was also drama in north London as Arsenal confirmed they will appeal Max Dowman's red card, with a suspension looming that could affect the squad for the Liverpool game (This Is Anfield).
In Champions League news, Liverpool's upcoming opponents Fenerbahce have been thrown into turmoil after a managerial change just days out from facing the Reds. Ismail Kartal's departure has seen Liverpool legend Dirk Kuyt promoted to interim charge, setting up an emotional reunion with his former club (BBC Sport) (LiverpoolFC.com) (Liverpool.com) (Liverpool Echo) (This Is Anfield).
On the transfer front, This Is Anfield reports that Liverpool are set to open talks over a new contract for Alexis Mac Allister, with a deal said to be in preparation (This Is Anfield), though the Liverpool Echo suggests the midfielder has been informed of potential exit plans and is said to disagree with the idea (Liverpool Echo). Liverpool have also been linked with a reported transfer battle against Real Madrid and Barcelona for Finn Jeltsch (Liverpool.com), while LiverpoolFC.com reports interest alongside Manchester United in Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha (LiverpoolFC.com). There's also fresh insight into the summer interest in Rio Ngumoha, with reports detailing how much Bayern Munich were prepared to offer before Liverpool held firm (Liverpool.com).
The Trent Alexander-Arnold saga continues to rumble on, with a former Liverpool player advising the full-back against a return to Anfield under Iraola (Liverpool.com), while UFC star and Liverpool fan Paddy Pimblett didn't mince his words about wanting to "knock out" his former hero (Liverpool.com).
Elsewhere, Ronald Araujo continues to be one of the feel-good stories of the season, with Van Dijk and Iraola both full of praise for the Uruguayan's impact since his loan move from Barcelona (Liverpool Echo). Araujo himself opened up on the difficulties he faced at Barcelona before his Anfield revival, revealing he "asked for help" during a tough spell (Liverpool.com), while separate reports describe his mentality as "perfect" for Anfield and suggest an agreement over his long-term Liverpool future has been reached (Liverpool.com) (Liverpool.com).
On the disciplinary side, UEFA have issued Liverpool with an official warning following an incident during their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid (Liverpool Echo).
Finally, over in the women's game, Gareth Taylor used his latest column to reflect on LFC Women's draw with London City, their mentality going forward, and the upcoming trip to face West Ham (LiverpoolFC.com).
This round-up is written with the help of AI, using only the day's headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.