Liverpool Lunchtime Round-Up, Wednesday 28th October 2026: Carabao Cup Clash with Xabi Alonso's Chelsea Dominates the Build-Up
It's a huge night at Anfield as Liverpool host Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, with Liverpool.com running through how fans can watch the game along with the early team news (Liverpool.com). The Echo's writers have had a go at picking their own line-up for the clash, with James McConnell among those tipped for a recall as Andoni Iraola is expected to shuffle his pack (Liverpool Echo), while Liverpool.com also looks at the thinking behind possible changes, including decisions on Rio Ngumoha and Florian Wirtz (Liverpool.com).
There's extra spice to the occasion with Xabi Alonso back at his old stomping ground in the Chelsea dugout. Liverpool.com reports that Alonso has made a vow ahead of the game and opened up on his decision to take the Chelsea job (Liverpool.com), while This Is Anfield shares his comments crediting Florian Wirtz as "one of main reasons" behind that move (This Is Anfield).
In the bigger picture, the Echo's tactical analysis suggests Liverpool are hitting form at just the right time following their win over Brighton, with the Reds' performance seen as a real statement ahead of the Chelsea and Arsenal tests to come (Liverpool Echo). Speaking of Arsenal, Liverpool look set to have a boost for that weekend clash after Mikel Arteta was left frustrated, according to the Echo (Liverpool Echo), with Liverpool.com and This Is Anfield both detailing fresh Arsenal injury concerns involving Bukayo Saka and others following their shock Carabao Cup exit to Fleetwood (Liverpool.com) (This Is Anfield). Arteta has also addressed an incident involving teenager Max Dowman after his red card in that defeat (Liverpool.com).
On the transfer front, Liverpool.com reports Alexis Mac Allister could be set to leave in the summer of 2027 as Iraola eyes a midfield rebuild, despite the midfielder wanting to stay (Liverpool.com). However, This Is Anfield suggests the club are set to open contract talks with Mac Allister, with a new deal reportedly being prepared (This Is Anfield).
Elsewhere, BBC Sport highlights how Liverpool's gamble on Jeremy Jacquet is paying off, with the defender thriving at Anfield after the Reds beat Chelsea to his signature (BBC Sport), and a Liverpool fan has even tipped him for a young player award (BBC Sport).
There's also plenty of Champions League build-up, with former Red Dirk Kuyt confirmed as Fenerbahce's interim boss just a week before facing his old club (BBC Sport) (LiverpoolFC.com) (Liverpool.com) (Liverpool Echo) (This Is Anfield). Virgil van Dijk has stressed the need to stay focused and embrace the big challenges coming up (LiverpoolFC.com), while Iraola's programme notes touch on how "winning leaves you wanting more" (LiverpoolFC.com).
On the women's side, Gareth Taylor's latest column reflects on the draw with London City, the squad's mentality, and the upcoming trip to 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.