Chelsea defense concedes 1.71 goals per 90 minutes before Anfield trip

Chelsea will face Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday, October 28, in the EFL Cup with their defensive record under scrutiny. The Blues have conceded 1.71 goals per 90 minutes this season, a rate that places them alongside teams competing in the relegation race.

Manager Xabi Alonso arrives in Liverpool with a depleted squad. Cole Palmer is suspended, while Joao Pedro and Reece James are also out. The absence of these three players leaves Alonso with limited options to stabilize a backline that has struggled to contain set pieces and high-pressure attacks.

Goalkeeper Emi Martinez, signed from Aston Villa to strengthen the defense, remains sidelined with a broken jaw. His absence forces Chelsea to rely on backups who lack command of the box. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the team’s frequent fouling, which concedes numerous set-piece opportunities.

The defensive fragility has persisted since the summer transfer of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City. While Chelsea achieved a 5-1 victory over Bournemouth, they also suffered a defeat to Tottenham, a match in which Palmer received a red card. The loss of Fernandez has left a gap in midfield control that the current lineup has not fully addressed.

Liverpool presents a formidable challenge for the struggling backline. Manager Andoni Iraola has overseen improvements in his squad, with Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola finding form and Alexander Isak returning to his best. The Reds are listed at +120 odds to win, while Chelsea are +185 underdogs. A draw is priced at +275.

Chelsea’s tactical approach relies on high pressing and open-play positioning, largely coordinated by Maxence Lacroix. However, the team often cedes possession, which exposes defensive gaps. Alonso is expected to lean on his front three for direct transitions, a strategy that trades possession for scoring chances but leaves the defense vulnerable to counterattacks.

The match will be played at 4 p.m. ET at Anfield in Liverpool, England. It will be streamed live on Paramount+. The outcome will serve as a test for Chelsea’s progress in their bid to return to Champions League play, a goal currently complicated by their inconsistent defensive performance.