Liverpool predicted lineup for Carabao Cup tie vs Chelsea as Andoni Iraola plans rotation

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As it is a Carabao Cup tie, Iraola will rotate, but needs to find the right balance, considering the level of the opposition, so this is the XI we're forecasting he will select. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectAlisson will be given the night off and Giorgi Mamardashvili will be donning the gloves, having been excellent in the previous round against Spurs, making five saves.

CB: Joe Gomez Jul 25, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Liverpool defender Joe Gomez (2) dribbles the ball against against Sunderland during the first half of a friendly at GEODIS Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe other right-back option is Joe Gomez but, having barely featured this season due to a muscle injury, we are forecasting that the 29 year old is deployed centrally.

Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectDespite hobbling off at the weekend, when asked about Florian Wirtz during his pre-match press conference on Monday, Iraola stated that he is "quite optimistic that he will be available". The teenager dazzled against Villarreal last Tuesday, bagging two assists, probably unfairly not in Iraola's first-choice XI right now, so will he be the star at Anfield again?