Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield in the League Cup

Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday evening in the Carabao Cup fourth round, with kick-off at 8pm GMT. The winners move one step closer to the last eight, and the quarter-final draw takes place straight after the final whistle.

The Carabao Cup, often called the League Cup, is a knockout competition for English clubs. Lose one tie and your season in the cup is over, so there are no second chances. Every match is decided on the night, with extra time and penalties if needed.

Liverpool have made seven changes to the side that beat Brighton 2-0 in their last game. The Guardian's live coverage lists Mamardashvili in goal, with Virgil van Dijk and Gomez among the defenders. Gakpo, Ngumoha and Koumas are in the attack. Alisson, Isak, Wirtz and Mac Allister start on the bench.

Chelsea have made four changes after losing 0-2 at home to Tottenham Hotspur. Danny Welbeck, Romeo Lavia, Malo Gusto and Wesley Fofana all come into the side. Penders is in goal, and Pedro Neto and Rogers are up front. Sharman-Lowe, Colwill and Estevao are among the substitutes.

The referee is Darren England. There will be no VAR, the video assistant referee system that lets officials check key moments on replays. Decisions will be made on the pitch, in real time.

These two clubs have met in this competition before. In February 2024, Liverpool beat Chelsea 1-0 in the League Cup final, with a late goal in extra time from Van Dijk, who starts again on Wednesday. This is the first time the clubs have met in the League Cup at the fourth-round stage, according to the English Football League.

Liverpool hold the record for the most League Cup wins of any club. Their ninth triumph came in February 2022. Chelsea, meanwhile, have a long run of cup success of their own, and this tie is a chance for either side to add to a season that has not gone entirely to plan so far.

The match is broadcast live on Sky Sports and ITV in the UK. Anyone watching at home will see the late stages of the night and the quarter-final draw, which is held once Chelsea's fixture has finished. The eight clubs left in the competition will find out their opponents at that point.

For fans of either side, a cup night at Anfield can be a special one. A single goal can change the mood of a whole week. Kick-off is at 8pm GMT, and the teams are ready.