Liverpool Lineup vs Chelsea: Iraola Makes 7 Changes as Xabi Alonso Returns to Anfield

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Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield tonight in a highly anticipated Carabao Cup fourth-round clash, marked by extensive squad rotation from home manager Andoni Iraola and an emotional return to Merseyside for Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso. Only Ronald Araujo, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo retain their starting positions.

Giorgi Mamardashvili steps into goal, shielded by a back four comprising Araujo, Joe Gomez, Van Dijk, and Kostas Tsimikas. Confirmed Starting Lineups Xabi Alonso Returns to Anfield The fixture brings former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso back to Anfield for the third time as a visiting manager, having previously faced his former club with Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen.

Alonso, who took charge of the Blues over the summer, addressed whether he would celebrate if Chelsea score against his former club: “Of course, I will celebrate, for sure. But now, I am in a different role, I need to support my team, I need to support my club, I fight for my club and if we score, I will celebrate with whole respect.” Alonso enters the match facing a minor selection dilemma following an injury to key forward João Pedro, leading him to field Danny Welbeck alongside Pedro Neto and Morgan Rogers up front.