Chelsea FC have confirmed their starting lineup for this evening's Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. Manager Enzo Maresca has made several changes from the side that lost 2-0 to Tottenham last weekend, a result that contributed to their recent form of two wins and two losses in their last four league matches. The team's overall record this season stands at four wins, one draw and three losses from eight games, leaving them fifth in the Premier League with 13 points.
Goalkeeper Mike Penders retains his place, with the back four consisting of Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and Ben Chilwell. The midfield trio features Andrey Santos, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Cole Palmer. The attacking line is led by João Pedro, flanked by Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto. João Pedro is the team's top scorer this season with five goals in six appearances, while Pedro Neto scored both goals in the 2-0 win at Everton on Saturday 17 October.
Team news and selection
Maresca's selection shows a clear intent to rotate his squad for the cup competition. The inclusion of Andrey Santos and Noni Madueke provides fresh legs, while the experienced core of Chilwell, Colwill and Palmer offers stability. The manager told the club's official website that the team is ready for the challenge. Maresca said.
The Blues come into the match sitting 5th in the Premier League on 13 points after eight games. Their recent form has been mixed, with two wins and two losses in their last four outings, including a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham last Friday. That result left them eight points behind league leaders Manchester City. João Pedro, who starts up front tonight, is the team's top scorer this season with five goals in six appearances. In the Premier League this season, Chelsea have scored 10 of their 13 goals between the 46th and 75th minute, a period which accounts for 77 percent of their total goal minutes. Across all competitions, the team has scored 17 goals and conceded 15, giving them a goal difference of plus two.
Looking ahead, Chelsea's next Premier League fixture is a home game against 16th-placed Manchester United on Saturday 31 October. Fans can view the full fixtures schedule on the club's site. The immediate focus, however, is on progressing in the Carabao Cup, with a quarter-final place at stake. The match kicks off at 19:45 GMT under the lights in west London.
This story first appeared at standard.co.uk
