Chelsea defense concedes 1.71 goals per game as Liverpool visits Anfield

Chelsea will allow 1.71 goals per 90 minutes this season, a rate that matches only teams currently fighting relegation. This defensive output places the club in a precarious position ahead of their EFL Cup match against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday, October 28.

The arrival of manager Xabi Alonso brought mixed results in his first months in charge. The squad recorded a 5-1 victory over Bournemouth, but also suffered a loss to Tottenham where Cole Palmer received a red card. The team's performance has been further complicated by the summer departure of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City, a move driven by his relationship with his former manager.

Current absences complicate the squad's depth. Cole Palmer is suspended for the upcoming fixture. Joao Pedro and Reece James are also out, leaving Alonso with limited options. Emi Martinez, acquired from Aston Villa to strengthen the backline, remains sidelined with a broken jaw. His absence leaves the remaining goalkeepers lacking command of the box, a weakness exposed by the team's tendency to foul frequently in dangerous areas.

The match is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET at Anfield in Liverpool. Paramount+ will stream the game live. Betting markets list Liverpool as slight favorites at +120 odds, with Chelsea at +185 and a draw at +275.

Alonso’s tactical approach relies on pressing and getting back into position, a system organized by Maxence Lacroix in defense. However, the transition to a more direct style of play, intended to leverage the strength of the front three, exposes defensive gaps. The club recently lost out on a deal for Lamine Camara from Monaco, a player who would have addressed these specific issues.

The squad is currently thin. While there has been improvement under Alonso, the team is not yet structured to compete at the highest level. A loss to Liverpool would confirm the statistical trend of defensive fragility. The team must win this tie to maintain momentum in their bid to return to Champions League play.

The league table context adds pressure. Aston Villa has moved up to ninth place, suggesting the race for European spots is tightening. Chelsea must use the available transfer funds and squad depth to stabilize their defense before the season progresses further.