Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET in the tie of the EFL Cup fourth round, according to NBC Sports’ League Cup schedule, after a night in which holders’ rivals Arsenal were stunned by Fleetwood Town.
The draw has produced a heavyweight clash, with Liverpool — who ousted Tottenham in the third round — meeting a Chelsea side that beat Leeds 6-3 in the previous round.
Two giants, one place in the quarters
Both clubs see the League Cup as a realistic trophy, and neither will want to surrender it cheaply. Liverpool’s home advantage at Anfield is significant, but Chelsea’s attacking form — six goals against Leeds — shows the visitors can score against anyone.
Team selection will be fascinating. Both managers must balance cup ambition with league and European commitments, but the scale of this tie — two of England’s biggest clubs, under the lights at Anfield — usually produces strong teams and a serious contest.
The wider fourth-round picture
Wednesday’s other ties see Manchester City host Brighton at 3:30 p.m. ET, Fulham face Crystal Palace, Bournemouth meet Aston Villa, and Sunderland take on Brentford, all at 3:45 p.m. ET. Everton host Newcastle on Thursday, while Bradford City beat Peterborough 2-0 on Tuesday to reach the quarter-finals.
The Fleetwood-Arsenal result on Tuesday is a reminder that cup football respects no reputations. Liverpool and Chelsea will both know that a single mistake — or a single moment of brilliance — could decide a place in the last eight.
What to expect
Expect intensity, rotation with quality, and a crowd that treats this like a league game. Liverpool’s pressing against Chelsea’s counter-attacking pace is a classic tactical matchup, and the winner will emerge as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
